Player contracts will be part of the record $1.5 million salary cap per team
BOSTON, MA (April 12, 2023) – The Premier Hockey Federation (PHF) has announced that the unrestricted free agency period for the 2023-24 season has officially commenced following a 30-day restricted timeline at the conclusion of the PHF regular season. All 2022-23 rostered players are eligible to sign with any team, while amateur athletes over the age of 18 also immediately qualify for unrestricted free agency which may include NCAA and U SPORTS graduates and athletes from other North American and International professional leagues and associations.
“The PHF is continuing to lead the way forward with a new era that provides greater financial opportunities along with associated benefits and resources for current and prospective players as part of our steadfast commitment to building the best home for professional women’s hockey,” said Reagan Carey, PHF Commissioner. “The PHF free agency process prioritizes the freedom of choice for all athletes including returnees and newcomers. We’re excited to strengthen our player pool and grow the global game with top collegiate and professional talents from all over the world who can further their careers by developing and competing at the highest level of professional women’s hockey in North America.”
The salary cap for the 2023-24 PHF season has doubled to a record $1.5 million per team which continues to distinguish the PHF as a leader in professional women’s sports. Rosters will have a minimum of 22 players with at least 20 who are signed to standard player contracts earning minimum salaries of $30,000 each. All teams will once again be required to meet the floor of 75 percent of the cap which equals $1,125,000 next season. Included in each team’s salary cap calculation are housing and travel allowances paid directly by the team and performance bonuses that may now be integrated into player contracts. PHF players continue to have the ability to come to terms on two-year deals through the 2024-25 season and may receive signing bonuses that represent a pre-season salary payment of up to 20 percent of their first-year contract value. All players that sign standard player contracts are eligible for a comprehensive benefits plan with medical, dental, and vision coverage paid for in full.
“The Players’ Association continues to work with the league in support of our shared goal to enhance the player experience both on and off the ice,” said Nicole Corriero, Executive Director of the PHF Players’ Association. “PHF Players will have the opportunity to negotiate multi-year contracts with higher salaries than ever before, continuing the forward momentum towards our goal of a league with full-time professional players.”
The PHF’s salary disclosure policy will once again apply to all signed player contracts as part of the league’s ongoing commitment to transparency and player autonomy. Players signing one-year contracts can select to disclose the actual value of their contract or choose to not disclose their salary. Players signing two-year contracts can select between disclosing the actual value of their salary per year, the AAV over two years, or choose no salary disclosure.
Prospective players may register online for free agent consideration at premierhockeyfederation.com/freeagency. Submitted information is compiled by the PHF and shared equally among all teams.
About the Premier Hockey Federation
The PHF is the home of professional women’s hockey in North America. 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, Montreal Force, and the Toronto Six who all compete annually for the Isobel Cup. As part of a two-year agreement with ESPN, live coverage of the 2022-23 and 2023-24 PHF seasons is available exclusively on ESPN+ in the United States, and provides international rights for games which includes TSN in Canada. For more information visit premierhockeyfederation.com.
