New pro women's hockey league to launch in January 2024

Women's hockey is set to embark on an exciting new chapter with the launch of a groundbreaking professional league in North America.

After years of anticipation and advocacy, organizers have announced plans to establish a sustainable and economically viable platform for the sport's top players.

This momentous development, highlighting the key players involved, the vision for the league, and the potential impact on the future of women's hockey.

Birth of a New League

Professional Hockey Federation (PHF) and the Professional Women's Hockey Players' Association (PWHPA) have joined forces to create a new women's professional hockey league.

Set to commence in January 2024, the league is expected to feature six teams, with three in the United States and three in Canada, according to insider sources.

While specific details are yet to be disclosed, the merger of these two organizations marks a significant step forward in the quest for a sustainable women's hockey league.

A League Backed by Visionaries

New women's professional hockey league has garnered the support of prominent figures in the sports industry.

Mark and Kimbra Walter, owners of the Los Angeles Dodgers and the WNBA's Los Angeles Sparks, are providing financial backing for the league.

Joining them as board members are sports icon Billie Jean King, sports executive Ilana Kloss, and Los Angeles Dodgers President Stan Kasten.

With their collective expertise and resources, the league is poised to represent the pinnacle of women's hockey.

Voice of the Players

Central to the creation of this new league is the Professional Women's Hockey Players' Association (PWHPA).

Comprised of nearly 100 members, including a majority of the Canadian women's hockey team and prominent U.S. players like Hilary Knight and Kendall Coyne Schofield.

The PWHPA has been instrumental in advocating for the growth and development of women's hockey.

Their vision for a sustainable league with fair compensation and adequate resources has driven the formation of this groundbreaking initiative.

PWHPA's Journey

PWHPA emerged in 2019 following the collapse of the Canadian Women's Hockey League (CWHL) after 12 seasons.

In their quest for a more sustainable and equitable future, the PWHPA embarked on the Dream Gap Tour, a series of tournaments and games designed to showcase the talent and potential of women's hockey.

This grassroots movement has laid the foundation for the establishment of a new league that aims to revolutionize the sport.

Path to Sustainability

One of the primary goals of the new league is to create a sustainable model that provides players with a living wage and the necessary support to compete at the highest level.

The current state of professional women's hockey, with players lacking health insurance and earning minimal salaries, has hindered their ability to train and prepare adequately.

By addressing these issues, the league aims to elevate the sport and create opportunities for current and future generations of female players.

Potential NHL Collaboration

The merger between the PHF and the PWHPA has the potential to bring the National Hockey League (NHL) into the fold.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has expressed a willingness to support a unified women's hockey league once it is formed.

Discussions have already begun, with the NHL exploring ways to collaborate with the new league and contribute to the growth of women's hockey.

This collaboration could mirror the successful partnership between the NBA and the WNBA, providing additional resources and exposure for the sport.

Road Ahead

While the establishment of a new women's professional hockey league is cause for celebration, there are still important details to be finalized.

Determining the number of teams and their respective locations, securing broadcast deals, and ensuring the economic viability of the league are crucial tasks that lie ahead.

The commitment and dedication of all stakeholders involved, coupled with the support of fans and the wider sports community, create a sense of optimism and excitement for the future of women's hockey.

Final Thoughts:

Launch of a new women's professional hockey league in North America signifies a significant milestone for the sport.

With the merger of the PHF and the PWHPA, along with the support of influential figures and organizations.

The league is poised to provide a sustainable and prosperous platform for women's hockey.

As players, fans, and advocates unite behind the vision of a vibrant and thriving league, the future of women's hockey shines brighter than ever before.