Many Olympians and national-team players from the U.S. and Canada are boycotting the '19-20 NWHL season in hopes of establishing an NHL-backed women's league, but the NWHL is "moving on without them," as are the defending league champion Minnesota Whitecaps, according to Rachel Blount of the Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE. The Whitecaps began their second season in the NWHL on Saturday with a 9-2 victory over the Metropolitan Riveters, and though the team "did not provide a crowd count," Tria Rink was "nearly full, and more than 100 people filled the standing-room areas at a rink that holds 1,200." Ticket prices this season have increased -- to $40 and $30 for some seats, from $20 last year -- though the team made sure the atmosphere "remained the same." NWHL team salary caps this season have "risen from $100,000 to $150,000." The season was "expanded from 16 games to 24; more leaguewide sponsors have come on board; and the NWHL’s new broadcast deal with Twitch.tv will pay it a broadcast rights fee for the first time." Revenue from the league sponsorships and media deals is "split 50-50 with the players" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 10/13).
GOING FORWARD: In N.Y., Seth Berkman noted the NWHL's "slow growth, and its highest announced salary of $15,000, left many players in search of an alternative path." The league has "weathered questions about its viability," as it opened its fifth season on with five teams and about 100 players. Still, its "devoted contingent is determined to continue on its chosen course toward sustainability." Without Olympians and other top stars, the NWHL has "become more accessible for those who thought playing pro hockey was not an option." The NHL "could end the division in women’s hockey, but it has decided not to step in." The NHL "doubled its contribution" to the NWHL for this season -- to $100,000 from $50,000 -- but otherwise has "little involvement in the women’s game" (N.Y. TIMES, 10/12).
