PWHL and PWHLPA Statement On Higher Minimum Annual Salaries and Rosters Increasing to 24 Players
More money? Check. Larger rosters. Double check. A new era has arrived. On Thursday afternoon, the PWHL and PWHLPA released a joint statement regarding higher minimum annual salaries and PWHL rosters increasing to 24 players for the 2026-26 season.
Combined with expansion from eight to 12 teams, the changes will create 104 additional full Active Roster positions compared to last season. Regarding increasing roster size, via social media channels the Professional Women’s Hockey League stated,
“The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PHL) and the Professional Women’s Hockey League Players Association (PWHLPA) have mutually agreed to a series ot 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.”
However, this isn’t the only change that is soon coming down the road. According to sources and a document received, the PWHL is set to increase league minimum salaries beyond the 3% outlined in the CBA, they’ll increase roster sizes this season, and are set to do away with reserves.
In a nutshell the PWHL and PWHLPA have agreed to and have announced the following changes:
• 24-player active rosters. Previously was 23 plus 3 reserves
• Minimum salary increases from ~$38K to $42K this season, with annual increases to $52.5K for 2030-31. This applies to existing contracts that would be below the new minimum.
• Introduction of a 1-game SPA for unexpected, exigent roster circumstances
PWHL and PWHLPA Statement On Higher Minimum Annual Salaries and Rosters Increasing to 24 Players
The only confusing part of these changes are where teams will find players when an injury occurs. If the PWHL makes the change to 24 active players and no reserves, they may quickly realize they will run out of players and have to call up players who aren’t ready for game action.
Likely they would need to sign retired or inactive players if rosters need to remain at 24. So this aspect has potential to be a problem. Especially, since only ONE team in PWHL history has completed an entire season using less than 22 skaters. So then, we will just have to see how this is approached as more details emerge.
Nonetheless, the PWHL and PWHLPA remain committed to working collaboratively to advance player opportunities, compensation, and the continued growth of professional women’s hockey. PWHL training camps open on Wednesday, Nov. 18, with the regular season beginning on Saturday, Dec. 5.
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