NWHL to Cut Player Salaries to Sustain Longevity of the League
BOSTON, MA - First reported by The Fourth Period early Friday morning and confirmed via a conference call to the media this afternoon by National Women's Hockey League Founder, Dani Rylan, the league will cut player salaries to ensure the sustainability of the league.
In an email sent out by Rylan on Thursday, NWHL Players were informed that they will be receiving up to a 50% pay cut in their salaries for the season. Players will also now be paid on a game-by-game basis for the remainder of the season. Sources have said players will meet and discuss the 'next steps' before signing an addendum to their current playing contracts put forth by the league.
"We had no idea. When I first heard of the news... probably gut-wrenching is the best way to describe it. We are all very, very invested in this league pretty [much] in every aspect of our lives. To hear that it's something that had to happen - it's a tough thing to hear. It's not a good day." said Ashley Johnston on the afternoon press conference.
The league had a great start to their inaugural season drawing some of the best hockey talent across the world, inking a corporate sponsor in Dunkin Donuts and media coverage across multiple platforms including ESPN3 and NESN. So what happened?
"... In interest of keeping the league financially viable, we have to enact salary cuts effective immediately." Rylan told the media, "We fell short on some projections, we had to pivot, and we had to make a business decision."
The NWHLPA was not involved in discussions with the league about the potential cuts, but will be playing a role in advising players on the addendum put forth by the league. Currently the two highest paid players in the league are Kelli Stack of the Connecticut Whale and Amanda Kessel of the New York Riveters, negotiated contracts for $26,000 this season. Those along with every other players salaries are set to be cut in half if the players agree.
Supporters of the league have rallied together and tried to stay positive. One of the league’s biggest supporters and advocates, Anya Battaglino, tweeted the following this afternoon.
The league is set to resume play this weekend with the Boston Pride traveling face the Buffalo Beauts and the Connecticut Whale heading to play the New York Riveters on Sunday.
Stay Tuned to @MyWSports on Social media for more details.
