The National Women’s Hockey League has announced it will now be called Premier Hockey Federation starting in its seventh season. The organization has also changed its logo and slogan as part of the NWHL rebrand.
Created in 2015. Reborn in 2021.
We are the Premier Hockey Federation 👑 pic.twitter.com/Q37uEtuJVW
— PHF (@PHF) September 7, 2021
NWHL Rebrand Creates Premier Hockey Federation
The league was created in 2015 with the goal to be the first paying women’s hockey league in North America. Of course, the mission was not easy. Many of its athletes still need to work full-time jobs in order to maintain their hockey careers. However, it is undeniable that the now Premier Hockey League has taken multiple steps towards a secure future for athletes.
In April, the league announced a considerable increase in their salary cap. Starting in the 2021-22 season, the cap will go from $150,000 to $300,00 for each team. In August, they announced their new season schedule, with 60 games played over a 19-week period. The improvements may seem small for those who are used to the NHL’s schedule and salary cap. However, those are important steps for the league to be consolidated in the professional market.
The New “No Labels, No Limits” Era
Changing their name, logo and slogan come as an inclusion tactic. Even though the league continues to be formed by women, it opens the door for others. Taking “women’s” out of the name shows that the league no longer wants to be defined by the gender of its athletes. The organization wants to be based on skill and talent, now being the first professional women’s sports league in North America to not use “women’s” in its name.
“The Premier Hockey Federation is home to some of the best professional athletes in the world who deserve to be recognized for their abilities and to be empowered as equals in sport,” said PHF Commissioner Tyler Tumminia. “We’re excited to build on all of our momentum from the last year, ‘Raise the W’ and embark on this new era with our athletes, teams, partners, and fans.”
