For the first time in its history, the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) has made all player salaries public. According to a salary guide released by the league’s Players Association, annual player compensation ranges from just over $37,000 to $126,090.
The report includes salary details for all 194 players in the league. Only 10 players earn six-figure salaries, while the average salary stands at approximately $57,200 and the median salary is $49,000.
Emily Clark tops the salary rankings
Emily Clark of the Ottawa Charge is the league’s highest-paid player with an annual salary of $126,090.
Other players earning more than $100,000 include Hilary Knight, Marie-Philip Poulin and Megan Keller.
Significant gap in rookie contracts
2025 first overall draft pick Kristýna Kaltounková earns $90,500 per year, while second overall pick Haley Winn receives $60,000 annually.
Meanwhile, Daryl Watts, who previously signed a $150,000 contract in another women’s hockey league, earned only $59,000 last season in the PWHL.
First major women’s league to publish salaries
The PWHL has become the first major North American women’s sports league to fully disclose individual player salaries.
The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) does not officially publish player salaries, while only a limited number of contracts in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) are publicly reported through media outlets.
League expansion continues
The Montreal Victoire won the 2025-2026 championship, claiming the franchise’s first Walter Cup title.
Starting next season, the PWHL will expand from eight to 12 teams, adding franchises in Detroit, Hamilton, Las Vegas and San Jose.