The recent salary disclosures from the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) highlight a significant wage gap between male and female athletes. Marie-Philip Poulin, a prominent player, exemplifies this disparity with her earnings substantially lower than even the NHL’s minimum salary.
PWHL Salary Reveal Highlights Gender Pay Gap in Hockey
During the 2025-26 season, Poulin earned $110,216, according to figures released by the PWHL Players Association. In contrast, the NHL’s minimum salary is set at $775,000. This stark difference underscores ongoing inequalities in sports compensation.
Top Earners in the PWHL
- Emily Clark, Ottawa Charge: $126,090
- Sarah Fillier, New York: $125,000
- Brianne Jenner, Ottawa: $122,003
- Abby Roque, Montreal: $116,699
- Marie-Philip Poulin, Montreal: $110,216
While Poulin ranks fifth in salary, the majority of players earn significantly less. Ninety-seven players made under $50,000 last season, including 17 on the league’s minimum contract of $37,131.50, which is set to increase by three percent each year.
Salary Structure and Future Prospects
The PWHL operates under a collective bargaining agreement that is valid until July 31, 2031. Notably, there is no salary cap imposed on teams. Instead, each team is required to meet a league-wide average salary, which also increases annually.
In the recent season, Ottawa was the only team to exceed the average salary figure of $58,349.50, achieving an average of $58,929.23, while New York reported the lowest at $54,892.06. All teams share resources as they are owned by The Walter Group, which adds to the financial comparison across the league.
Challenges and Changes Ahead
The PWHL is at a critical juncture, with some contracts expiring and four new teams set to join next season. While the union has secured a stable financial framework, players face a prolonged period of low salaries, aside from the three percent annual increases.
In a poll conducted by The Athletic, many players identified salary as a primary concern within the league. Several notable players, including Poulin and her teammates, took pay cuts to allow for team enhancements and ultimately to secure a championship victory.
Comparison to Other Women’s Sports
The disparity in salaries is evident when comparing the PWHL to leagues like the WNBA, which recently secured a landmark agreement raising average salaries to $585,000. This contrast emphasizes the ongoing need for improvement in women’s sports financial equity.
As the PWHL continues to expand from six to twelve teams, its leaders aim to establish a stable and equitable salary future. The current player agreement may restrict financial growth but sets the groundwork for potential advancements as the league matures.
