In the world of women’s professional hockey, the landscape has been ever-evolving. Before the inception of the PWHL in 2023, various other women’s hockey leagues in North America had risen and fallen. Yet, the path to where the PWHL stands today has been a journey marked by significant milestones and progress.
One of the notable leagues that preceded the PWHL was the Canadian Women’s Hockey League (CWHL), which commenced operations in 2007 in Canada. However, being a nonprofit organization meant that players were not paid a salary. Instead, they relied on endorsements and bonuses for financial support, with no guarantees that hockey could be their sole occupation. Additionally, the absence of teams in the United States restricted American participation in the league.
On the other hand, the PHF made its debut in 2015, offering players earnings ranging from $10,000 to $25,000 USD. With major sponsors like Dunkin Donuts on board, players also received a percentage of their jersey sales and benefited from a 50/50 revenue split that generated additional income. Notably, the league appointed Rylan as its inaugural commissioner, ushering in a new era for women’s professional hockey.
Despite expanding to include teams in Minnesota, Toronto, and Montreal, the CWHL eventually folded, leading to mixed reactions within the hockey community. Rylan, once hailed as a pioneer, faced criticism for her handling of the league, with some players voicing concerns about low wages and the need to juggle multiple jobs to make ends meet. Nevertheless, the league’s gradual growth over the years saw improvements in salary caps, increased investment from private backers, lucrative television deals, and successful business ventures that propelled it forward financially.
As the foundation for women’s professional hockey leagues took shape, challenges emerged that threatened to disrupt the progress. Reservations from certain professional players, including veterans like Hilary Knight and Alex Azzi, cast a shadow over the league’s future. Knight, a former Boston Pride champion, highlighted the league’s shortcomings in catering to elite players and urged closer collaboration with the NHL to drive growth. Citing the NBA’s support for the WNBA as a model worth emulating, Knight and other top players opted to boycott the 2019-2020 season in hopes of steering the league towards a more inclusive and sustainable future.
In the ever-evolving landscape of women’s professional hockey, the journey to success is fraught with challenges and triumphs alike. As the PWHL continues to make strides towards establishing itself as a premier league, the lessons learned from past experiences serve as valuable guideposts for a brighter future in the world of women’s hockey.
