PWHL Raises Minimum Salaries to $42,000 and Adds Roster Slots

The Professional Women's Hockey League and its players' association reached a new labor agreement on Thursday.

The deal raises the minimum annual base salary to $42,000 for the upcoming season. This figure represents an increase from approximately $38,000 paid in the previous year. The contract also guarantees a step-up to $45,000 for the next season. Salaries will continue to rise by $2,500 each year for the remaining three years of the current collective bargaining agreement. The minimum base pay will reach $52,500 by the 2030-31 season.

Team rosters will expand by one player each. Active rosters will now consist of 24 players. With the addition of four new franchises, the league will grow to 12 teams. This expansion creates 104 additional roster spots compared to last season. The fourth season is scheduled to open on Dec. 5.

The agreement modifies how teams manage short-term signings. The league will eliminate the use of up to three reserve players per team. Instead, teams may sign players to one-game standard contracts. This change supplements the existing rule that permits 10-day standard contracts. The salary increases exceed the 3% annual growth rate originally negotiated when the six-team league launched in July 2023.

Training camps for the new season are set to begin on Nov. 18. A joint statement from the league and the PWHL Players Association noted their continued commitment to advancing player opportunities and compensation. The union and management described the changes as a response to the league's growing popularity.