How much do PWHL players make

Women's professional hockey just hit a major milestone. But how much do PWHL players make exactly? Well, PWHL players now earn real paychecks averaging $56,500 per year. That's a massive jump from a few years ago, when women's hockey leagues paid $2,000 to $10,000 annually. For ice hockey fans, this shift means something huge: women's hockey is finally becoming a legitmate professional sport where athletes can actually make a living.

What PWHL players actually earn

The Professional Women's Hockey League pays players on a clear tier system. Entry-level players make around $35,000 to $37,000 per season. Most players earn the average of $56,500. Top stars break six figures some making $100,000 to $125,000 annually (which is wild when you think about where this sport was just a decade ago).

Real examples show how high salaries go now. Emily Clark of the Ottawa Charge became the highest-paid player in PWHL history, earning over $100,000. Sarah Fillier with the New York Sirens makes aproximately $125,000. Connecticut Whale players earn between $105,000 and $133,000.

The league enforces a $1.3 million team salary cap. Every team must sign at least six players earning $80,000, or more. This structure ensures competitive balance while guaranteeing top players earn serious money.

How salaries have grown in women's hockey

The jump from old leagues to today is jaw-dropping. The CWHL paid players $2,000 to $10,000 yearly. The predecessor PHF started at $300,000 per team salary cap and grew to $1.5 million by 2023-24.

The PWHL launched in 2024 with an eight-team structure and immediate salary improvements. Expanding from six teams to eight freed up more money for players. Every new PWHL team invested heavily in star talent.

League investment drives this growth. Owners, broadcasters, and sponsors now back women's hockey seriously (finally). Players earn benefits too healthcare coverage comes standard. This professionalization means women athletes can pursue hockey as a full-time career, not a side hustle.

For ice hockey fans following PWHL news, these salary numbers matter. They signal the league's stability and growth. When players earn real money, talent stays in the sport. Young girls see professional hockey as an achievable dream, not just a fantasy.