Proposed women's hockey league teams with Billie Jean King, Dodgers chairman: reports

North America's top women's hockey players are teaming up with former tennis star Billie Jean King and Los Angeles Dodgers chairman Mark Walter to explore launching a pro league within the next year, a person with direct knowledge of the agreement told The Associated Press on Tuesday night.

The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the Professional Women's Hockey Players' Association only revealed the agreement during a meeting with its membership. The deal was first reported by the Athletic.

The PWHPA informed its members, who include U.S. and Canadian national team players, that it signed a letter of intent with Billie Jean King Enterprises and the Mark Walter Group to expand on the association's effort to establish what would become North America's second women's pro league.

Details of the proposed league have not yet been finalized, though tentative plans have the new league featuring six teams with players paid an average salary of $55,000 US.

The PWHPA would compete with the Premier Hockey Federation, which is entering its eighth season.

The PWHPA was established in 2019 after the Canadian Women's Hockey League folded, and its members have balked at playing for the PHF, which was formerly called the National Women's Hockey League.

The partnership marks a major step forward for the PWHPA in its three-year pursuit to achieve its vision in establishing a viable pro league with sustainable long-term economic backing. The PWHPA has already lured major sponsors and corporate backing, including 11 NHL franchises. It sought out the agreement with King and Walter because of their sports-related financing, operating and marketing experience.

BJK Enterprises is a women-run investment, consulting and marketing