For at least four years, women's professional hockey players advocated vociferously for one unified league. About one week ago, it finally happened when Mark Walter, a co-owner of MLB's Los Angeles Dodgers, announced his company bought out the Premier Hockey Federation (PHF) and would cease its operations.
Days later, the Professional Women's Hockey Players' Association (PWHPA) ratified a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the Walter group to begin a new unnamed pro league in January 2024.
There will reportedly be six teams evenly divided between Canada and the U.S., with player salaries ranging from $35,000 to $80,000 US.
One hard part is over. The next one, however, is just beginning. Experts say among key next steps in ensuring the league's success are identifying the correct markets, fairly allocating players across the league, negotiating a fair media rights deal and securing sponsorship.