The Canadian Women’s Hockey League announced Sunday it will fold its operation due to an “economically unsustainable” business model, effective May 1.
The Board of Directors of the Canadian Women’s Hockey League (CWHL) has made the decision to discontinue operations effective May 1, 2019. Please refer to press release at the https://t.co/iy7b1CjE0v for more information. pic.twitter.com/SxzctlWusB
— CWHL (@TheCWHL) March 31, 2019
Despite putting in place new management and a new board last summer, which was led by former Canadian women’s star Jayna Hefford, the league couldn’t reach an adequate revenue base to keep operations running.
“(We) 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,” the statement read, in part.
The news came as a shock to many of the players, with several taking to social media to share the same message: “This morning we were informed the #CWHL is folding. As players, we will do our best to find a solution so this isn’t our last season of hockey but it’s hard to remain optimistic. #NoLeague.”
With the shocking news of the #CWHL ceasing operations, we ask for your patience. Please respect the needs of our players at this time.
— CWHLPA (@CWHLPA) March 31, 2019
Here’s the statement CWHL players are tweeting. pic.twitter.com/VOazd4bq5n
— Marisa Ingemi (@Marisa_Ingemi) March 31, 2019
The decision comes a week after the 12th edition of the Clarkson Cup, with a record-setting 175,000 fans tuning in to watch the championship game.
The CWHL was founded in 2007 with the goal of growing women’s hockey.
