Joint Statement from the PWHL and PWHLPA Regarding PWHL Rosters Increasing to 24 Players

NEW YORK AND TORONTO – The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) and the Professional Women’s Hockey League Players Association (PWHLPA) have mutually agreed to a series of changes beginning with the 2026-27 season, including an increase in active rosters from 23 to 24 players per team and higher minimum annual salaries.

As the PWHL expands from eight to 12 teams, these changes reflect our shared commitment to creating more opportunities for players, strengthening the economic foundation of professional women’s hockey and supporting the league’s long-term growth. Together, league expansion and increased roster sizes will create 104 additional full Active Roster positions compared to last season.

The PWHL and PWHLPA remain committed to working collaboratively to advance player opportunities, compensation, and the continued growth of professional women’s hockey.

Key Details of the Agreement:

• Starting in 2026–27, each team will carry 24 full Active Roster spots, up from 23; the Reserve Player structure will not be used in 2026-27.
• The existing CBA average salary requirement will apply across all 24 roster spots.
• Minimum annual base salaries will increase according to the following schedule: $42,000 in 2026-27, $45,000 in 2027–28, $47,500 in 2028–29, $50,000 in 2029–30, and $52,500 in 2030–31.
• These increases will apply to new contracts as well as existing contracts where salaries were below the applicable new minimum.
• The changes also introduce a One-Game SPA mechanism for unexpected, exigent roster circumstances.

PWHL training camps open on Wednesday, Nov. 18, with the regular season beginning on Saturday, Dec. 5.

ABOUT THE PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S HOCKEY LEAGUE (PWHL)

The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) is a professional ice hockey league in North America that features the best women’s players in the world. As of the 2025-26 season, it is comprised of eight teams — Boston, Minnesota, Montréal, New York, Ottawa, Seattle, Toronto, and Vancouver — with Detroit, Hamilton, Las Vegas, and San Jose added as the 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th teams ahead of the 2026-27 season. Launched on January 1, 2024, the PWHL has broken multiple attendance records and holds the worldwide all-time record for a women’s hockey game. The league was recognized by Sports Business Journal as the Sports Breakthrough of the Year, and ranked No. 1 in Canada for corporate reputation in both 2024 and 2025, according to the Harris Poll. Visit thepwhl.com to purchase tickets and merchandise, and subscribe to the PWHL e-newsletter for the latest updates. Follow the league on social media @thepwhlofficial.