Thread by @NWHL

A thread on NWHL salaries this season, as a result of our 50/50 revenue split with players and increased investment coming off a spectacular Season 4:

We just want to state some facts and provide transparency and context. We gave our players the decision whether or not to reveal their salaries, believing strongly it should be their choice.

Fact: There are some league veterans and other top-skilled players who signed contracts this season for $15,000. And now, like all players in the NWHL this season they will receive even more $.

NWHL salaries are not up only 26%. this season. They are up more than that. Each team salary cap was increased from $100,000 to $150,000. So that was the first step in raising salaries. Each team will have about 20-22 players.

The 26% increase is just from the 50/50 split NWHL players are receiving from league sponsorships and media deals. This split was announced by the league and NWHLPA in May.

Examples of these deals are our three-year streaming partnership with Twitch, and sponsorships from Dunkin’, NHL, Chipwich, VEDA, NYU Langone. As more sponsorships come in, that 26% will increase.

So, for NWHL players who signed contracts for $15,000 this season, they are now making $18,900 as a result of the revenue split. They are paid this over the six months of the season from October - March.

The salary is for 24 regular season games, possibly a few playoff games if you’re contending for Isobel, and about two practices at night each week.

It has also been said by outsiders that our athletes are not protected if they are injured playing in the league. Let’s be clear: Since our first day, all players are covered in the event of injuries sustained in NWHL games and practices.

At the end of the season, we will share final numbers on player salaries. Fact is, the numbers continue to grow — thanks to our sponsors and partners, and the fans who attend our events and buy apparel.

Any additional sponsorship dollars that roll in from now through the end of the season will be added to the pool. Then there are potential Isobel Cup and All-Star bonuses, and jersey/shirsey commission bonuses.

There is a lot more work to do, no question. But we started from scratch in 2015 as the first league in North America to pay women’s hockey players, and we are still building our business.

That’s it. Thanks for hearing us out, and welcome to Season 5, which officially kicks off Saturday, Oct. 5.

The NWHL is back.