By The Canadian Press and statement from CWHL

CWHL to fold as business model deemed “financially unstable”

Mar 31, 2019 | 9:44 AM

TORONTO — The Canadian Women’s Hockey League is no more.

The CWHL’s board of directors have decided to discontinue operations May 1 of this year, the league has announced.

“Unfortunately, while the on-ice hockey is exceptional, the business model has proven to be economically unsustainable,” the league said in a statement.  

The news comes a week after the 12th edition of the Clarkson Cup, and despite putting in placement new management led by former Canadian women’s star Jayna Hefford, and a new board last summer and fall.

The CWHL was founded in 2007 with a mandate to grow women’s hockey. It had six clubs throughout North America and China.

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CWHL News Release:

The Board of Directors of the Canadian Women’s Hockey League (CWHL) has made the decision to discontinue operations effective May 1, 2019. Unfortunately, while the on-ice hockey is exceptional, the business model has proven to be economically unsustainable.

New management, led by Jayna Hefford, and the new Board, put in place in Summer & Fall 2018 respectively, have proactively worked with our contract staff, players, GM’s, industry partners and corporate sponsors to establish an adequate revenue base, good governance, and high-quality hockey on the ice. Unfortunately the business model that has been the foundation of the League is not sustainable financially.

Founded in 2007 by players and members of the community, the League’s mandate was to grow the sport of women’s hockey, and to that extent it more than achieved its goal.

Last week 175,000 fans tuned in to watch the 12th edition of the Clarkson Cup, a new record for viewership, and the game delivered. Women’s hockey is fast, skilled, and generally high scoring, making for excellent entertainment.

We thank our fans for cheering on their favourite player and favourite teams, our sponsors for helping fund the growth of women’s hockey, and our partnerships with the NHLPA, Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Calgary Flames. We would like to acknowledge the management and players of Team KRS for their commitment to the CWHL and growth of women’s hockey in China, and Ontario Women’s Hockey Association, Hockey Canada, and the NHL for their support.

The contract staff, contractors, coaches, and athletes of the CWHL are an inspiration to women around the world, and under Jayna Hefford’s leadership this season we have seen a new levels of success, new energy and credibility to the game.

 About the CWHL —  The Canadian Women’s Hockey League (CWHL) is the premier, professionally-run women’s hockey league in the world. With six current clubs throughout North America and China, it enables elite female hockey players to pursue their dreams of competing at the highest level possible, while enhancing the lives of others through exceptional athleticism, entertainment, and motivation. The league is a centrally funded not-for-profit organization, meaning all participating teams receive equal access to funding to ensure equal opportunity and competition. CWHL will discontinue operations as of May 1, 2019. Visit www.thecwhl.com