WNBA Pay Increase Inspires Women’s Hockey Players to Chart New Course

FILE PHOTO: Jan 30, 2019; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; NHL network announcer Pierre McGuire (left) and USA Womens Hockey gold medalist Kendall Coyne Schofield (right) perform the pre-game show before the Pittsburgh Penguins host the Tampa Bay Lightning at PPG PAINTS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

(Reuters) – Following the WNBA’s groundbreaking collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the impact of the deal has transcended women’s basketball. Celebrations erupted and excitement continues to build, especially for women hockey players who see the potential for similar advances in their sport.

Kendall Coyne Schofield, a star from the U.S. Olympic women’s hockey team, sees the WNBA as a model and a guiding light for professional women’s team sports, hoping that women’s professional hockey can mirror its infrastructure. To chase this vision, Coyne Schofield is part of the Professional Women’s Hockey Players’ Association (PWHPA), a group that opted not to compete in established professional leagues until better conditions are offered.

“This (the WNBA’s) recent CBA didn’t happen overnight. This was over 20 years in the making,” said Coyne Schofield. Jayna Hefford, a hockey hall of famer and a PWHPA operations consultant, shares the sentiment, expressing hope for similar progress for women’s hockey, albeit in a shorter timeframe.

The recent WNBA agreement, featuring increased salary opportunities, improved playing conditions and better benefits for players, has sparked hope and motivation for all women athletes. Canadian Olympic silver medalist Sarah Nurse sees this as a push for women’s hockey to achieve true “professional” status. Both she and Anya Packer, executive director of the NWHL players’ association, recognize the need for more investment in women’s sports to enable equitable pay and visibility, a level long enjoyed by men’s leagues.

The contrasting status of the WNBA and NWHL indicates that women’s hockey leagues have a way to go – and pledges have been made to continue fighting for the respect and acceptance they deserve.

Reporting By Amy Tennery; Editing by Bill Berkrot Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. Acquire Licensing Rights, opens new tab

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Rachel Adams

Rachel Adams is your WNBA insider, delivering comprehensive coverage of women’s basketball. With a commitment to highlighting the talent and achievements of WNBA players, she provides game analysis, player profiles, and inspiring stories from the league.