Premier Hockey Federation (PHF) announced a $25 million commitment from the Board of Governors to directly pay players including benefits, during the next three seasons. The pledge specifies $7.5 million in salary and benefits for the professional women’s hockey in North America 2022-23 season. This capital signifies the largest one-time independent investment in the history of professional women’s hockey. The aim is to provide additional financial opportunities for their athletes while improving the player experience. The Sports Techie community blog supports the PHF and women hockey pioneers like Manon Rhéaume. The PHF is a forward-thinking and tech-friendly brand to watch in 2022 and beyond.
New PHF Born On Date
Established in 2015 as the National Women’s Hockey League, the NWHL rebranded to become the PHF in 2021 and provide opportunities for elite athletes to earn a living playing the game they love while fueling the continued growth of the sport. The league is made up of the Boston Pride, Buffalo Beauts, Connecticut Whale, Metropolitan Riveters, Minnesota Whitecaps, and the Toronto Six who all compete annually for the Isobel Cup.
$25 Million
The investment to these professional players, which includes cash, full healthcare benefits provided by their club, and equity in the teams, will support the current athletes and attract new players.
At the heart of the investment is a substantial salary cap increase to $750,000 for next year, 150 percent more than the current record figure of $300,000 that is available per team.
The PHF will further support its growth and the development opportunities for its athletes through expansion, updating facilities, purchasing new equipment, and increasing ice time in the form of more practices and an expanded 28 game schedule.
Player Benefits
All players will benefit from 10 percent of the equity of each team, which will be contributed to an investment pool owned by the PHF players, enabling them to share in the league’s financial success.
Additionally, players will have control over their own likeness and be able to profit from their image.
Business Outlook
Over the last 18 months, the PHF has pivoted from a single entity structure to a joint venture model, with all six member clubs owned and operated by private ownership groups in their respective markets. The PHF also generated landmark broadcast and corporate partnerships, the largest sponsorship revenues in its history, and received record digital viewership and engagement during a shortened season.
Prior to the 2021-22 campaign, the league announced a historic name change and refreshed logo to redefine the brand based on the skill and talent of the athletes as opposed to their gender.
This season, the PHF has established unprecedented media exposure through an agreement with ESPN+ who serves as the exclusive home of the PHF in the United States, with international rights for ESPN affiliates including TSN in Canada.
The Federation also recently announced a trailblazing multi-year agreement with The Upper Deck Company who will produce their first-ever professional women’s hockey trading cards and a new multi-year agreement with Warrior who becomes the first PHF-wide partner in the equipment category.
Sports Techie, I found my way from the PHF website where I watched a 3-minute game recap video clip to watching a full game video on ThePHF channel on Twitch TV. TSN and ESPN+ are top media partners to grow an excited fanbase. Add in a robust social media presence and the right digital formula is happening. The women are taking the PHF to the next level with this new investment.
I see NIL deals and NFT cards in the near future for the PHF.
Stream a match up.
See you later sportstechie in Seattle, Atlanta and around the world!
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