Hockey is leading the charge in a historic move for women’s professional sports in North America.
On Tuesday, the National Women’s Hockey League officially changed its name to the Premier Hockey Federation, becoming the first North American women’s sports league to remove the word “women’s” from its title.
“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. “This league has come a long way since its inception in 2015 and we believe that this is the right time and the right message as we strengthen our commitment to growing the game and inspiring youth.”
Created in 2015. Reborn in 2021.
— PHF (@NWHL) September 7, 2021
We are the Premier Hockey Federation 👑 pic.twitter.com/Q37uEtuJVW
According to a release posted to the PHF’s official site, the name was inspired by empowerment, gender equity, and inclusivity with respect to differences in the gender identity of current athletes, prospective players, and league stakeholders. Expansion across the United States, into Canada, and the increase of international talent also helped pave the way for a rebrand with global appeal.
Harrison Browne, the first openly transgender athlete to play professional sports, praised the move on Twitter.
"I was extremely proud to play in the NWHL but when I was asked where I played hockey by strangers it would give me anxiety to state the full league name and essentially out myself," wrote the 2017 Isobel Cup champion with the Beauts. "This is a very important move for non-binary or trans hockey players. Love the new digs PHF!"
The new logo presents a modern identity with simplicity, versatility, and flexibility that pays tribute to the history of the NWHL. The black and white scheme is preserved in the primary emblem, while stars from the original design form the silhouette of a crown atop the PHF acronym. The use of both the stars and crown are symbolic of ambition and achievement but also form a subtle ‘W’ to represent the concept of raising women to the top.
What is the Premier Hockey Federation?
The Premier Hockey Federation launched in 2015 as the National Women’s Hockey League with four teams: Boston Pride, Buffalo Beauts, Connecticut Whale, and Metropolitan Riveters. The Minnesota Whitecaps joined as the league’s first expansion team in 2018 followed by the Toronto Six in 2020, the league’s first team based in Canada. Every team provides a salary to its players.
Prior to the league's formation, the only choice for top-level women's hockey in North America was the Canadian Women's Hockey League (CWHL), which at the time paid bonuses and incentives but not salaries. The CWHL folded in 2019.
According to the PHF, the 2021 season was record-setting, despite the challenges of a COVID-19 pandemic. League visibility reached new heights through digital viewership, social engagement, and a historic broadcast partnership that saw the Isobel Cup raised for the first time on American network television. Landmark sponsorship deals, new corporate partners, and an increased commitment from private ownership has helped double the salary cap to $300,000 per team in 2021-22 which represents the highest figure in league history.
NWHL ➡️ PHF
— PHF (@NWHL) September 7, 2021
Our new name & logo is here 👑 pic.twitter.com/3Q9edsHJ9m
“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,” added Tumminia. “No labels, no limits.”
The PHF season begins Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, with all six teams in action. Check out the full schedule here.
