Women's hockey league plans to double salary cap to $1.5M US

The Premier Hockey Federation is doubling down on women's hockey by announcing plans to increase its salary cap to $1.5 million US per team for the 2023-24 season in an aggressive bid to deepen its talent pool by offering players an opportunity to earn a living wage.

The increase, announced Wednesday morning, will double each team's current cap of $750,000 this season, and is part of an overall $25 million, three-year commitment approved by the league's board of governors 11 months ago. The PHF currently consists of seven franchises, though commissioner Reagan Carey told The Associated Press that expansion is once again being considered after the league added a team in Montreal this season.

"This is just another example of us going full steam ahead with what we know can be a great sport for an even greater audience, and do more for the players that are in it," Carey said. "We consider this announcement a win for anyone who cares about women's sports, but especially women's hockey."

The approval came at the league's winter meetings, and the jump in the salary cap now represents a 900% increase since 2021-22, when each team's salary limit stood at $150,000. As part of its cash influx, the PHF also began providing full health-care benefits to players this season, while also growing its league operations staff and improving team facilities.

"It's a big commitment and reflects the dedication of everybody that's involved with the PHF, and understanding the importance of getting to this landmark number," Carey said. "I think this certainly demonstrates the strength of our league and the business development model that we've been working towards and continuing to create. It just speaks to the confidence and the direction of the