Life in the world of women’s hockey has just completely changed, as the group Billie Jean King Enterprises and Mark Walter; owners of the PWHPA, they confirmed the purchase of their rival league; the PHF.
There is still new information and the story will be updated as new information and context comes to light.
Main points:
-PHF to cease all operations. The 2023-2024 season will not take place.
-The League was acquired, the leagues did not merge.
– All PHF players will have to negotiate new contracts with the league formed by the PWHPA.
-PHF players will be secondary to current PWHPA members in terms of contract offers.
-PHF players were not informed of this deal before it was leaked to the public.
– There will be 6 teams with 23 players per squad. Boston is a likely location. The Pride as we know it, however, will no longer exist.
It appears PWHPA players will have priority access to contracts in the new league and PHF players will be treated as late summer UFA additions.
— Shayna (@hayyyshayyy) June 30, 2023
Here’s what we know so far:
– BJK Enterprises and Mark Walter Group have bought the PHF. An acquisition, not a merger.
– Expect the game to launch in early 2024
– Hefford and Carey will have leadership roles
– All PHF player contracts have been voided#PHF #PWPA
— Melissa Burgess (@_MelissaBurgess) June 30, 2023
This is a PHF acquisition and as such PHF players will have to renegotiate contracts. The PWHPA is a union, has a CBA and has a Standard Player Contract (SPC).
It’s no surprise that PHF players have to have new contracts, since the contracts have to match the SPC. https://t.co/j5z0e5Ycb5
— . (@YourPotential4) June 30, 2023
PHF breakout purchased. Players are learning this news as it trickles out. The source tells me there will only be six teams with 23-man rosters each in the new combined league. The world of women’s hockey is being shaken again https://t.co/RXsa5EKECd
— Rachel Hopmayer (@rachelhopmayer) June 30, 2023
We’ll be following this story and adding to it as more develops.
