How much do PWHL players make
The Professional Women's Hockey League is paying players serious money now. The average PWHL player earns around $56,500 per year, which is a huge jump from earlier women's hockey leagues. If you follow ice hockey news, understanding how much PWHL players make reveals how the sport has grown and professionalized in just a few years.
How much PWHL players actually earn
PWHL salaries range pretty widely depending on player experience and skill level. The minimum salary sits at $35,000, while the average hovers near $56,500. Top players break six figures with ease (honestly, it's impressive). Emily Clark of the Ottawa Charge signed a record contract worth over $100,000. Sarah Fillier earns approximately $125,000 with the New York Sirens. Kennedy Marchment makes $130,000, and Kacey Bellamy pulls in around $133,000. These numbers show massive growth from when women's proffessional hockey started.
The salary cap and how it works
Each PWHL team operates under a $1.3 million salary cap. The league requires teams to sign at least six players earning $80,000 or more. There's no maximum individual salary limit, meaning star players can negotiate pretty freely. This structure keeps teams balanced while rewarding top talent fairly.
How PWHL pay compares to other leagues
PWHL salaries now rival minor men's hockey leagues like the ECHL and SPHL. The average PWHL salary falls slightly below the AHL, which pays a bit more. Women's hockey has jumped dramatically from the old CWHL and PHF days, when salaries were much lower. The PHF's salary cap nearly doubled before the league sold in 2023, creating space for the PWHL's current pay structure.
What rising salaries mean for the sport
Higher pay attracts better players and keeps talented athletes in professional hockey instead of leaving. Teams now offer healthcare coverage and improved benefits. Sponsorship money and media visibility have increased significantly. Young hockey players see real career opportunities in women's professional hockey now. Fans watching the league understand they are supporting athletes who can actually live on their salaries.
For ice hockey blogs and news outlets,PWHL salary trends tell an important story.The league is building something sustainable and competitive.Contract announcements from stars like Emily Clark and Sarah Fillier matter because they show market growth.Following these salary developments helps readers understand where women's hockey stands in the professional sports world and where it's heading next.