NWHL players on Saturday took to Twitter to offer their response to the league cutting salaries "just five games into the NWHL's second season," according to Amy Moritz of the BUFFALO NEWS. The players' requests "include proof of insurance, an independent audit of the league's finances, a list of investors and an explanation of why the league's revenues have declined so quickly." NWHL Commissioner Dani Rylan in a statement responded, "My colleagues and I have always and will always do everything in our power to build a professional league that the amazing athletes of the NWHL deserve. Despite our setbacks, we have made many positive strides -- thanks in large part to our players. Our hope is that we can continue a positive, constructive dialogue with the players over the next two weeks" (BUFFALO NEWS, 11/20). THE HOCKEY NEWS' Jared Clinton noted Rylan on Friday explained that the salary cuts "would be made in order to keep the league 'financially viable.'” Estimations have the salary cuts "saving the league roughly half a million dollars this season." Rylan said that the league has "accepted an additional $50,000 investment from Dunkin’ Donuts, the league’s most notable corporate sponsor" (THEHOCKEYNEWS.com, 11/19).
FALLING SHORT: Rylan on Friday explained the move to cut salaries by saying the league "fell short on some projections" and had to "pivot and make a business decision at the end of the day." Rylan: "The decision was, if we want to exist and we want to save the season, we have to make the appropriate decisions to do so." She also said that the cuts "do not apply to league employees and team employees who are not players." Team execs "will have added responsibilities in an effort to increase ticket sales and attract sponsors." The AP's John Wawrow noted Rylan "blamed part of the cash-flow crunch on declining attendance a month into the season." The cuts represent a "major setback for an upstart league Rylan established in what was essentially a startup venture supported by investors and corporate sponsors." Rylan was "so confident the NWHL model would be a success that she entertained questions of expansion" midway through last season (AP, 11/18). Rylan said that the cuts ensure the league "will complete its 21-game regular season and the playoffs." ESPNW.com's Borzi & Barnes noted the league "did not consult with the NWHL Players Association." Additionally, the timing of the announcement, which came "more than a month into the season, angered many players" (ESPNW.com, 11/18).
