PWHL Players Association Affiliates with AFL-CIO

Women's hockey union joins 15 million-member labor federation to strengthen voice in shaping league's future

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Professional Women's Hockey League Players Association has affiliated with the AFL-CIO, America's largest labor federation representing nearly 15 million workers. The move aims to strengthen the players' voice in shaping the PWHL's future as the sport enjoys growing popularity following the U.S. women's team's Olympic gold medal.

Why it matters

The affiliation provides the PWHLPA with additional resources and collective bargaining power as it advocates for its 184 members. It also aligns the women's hockey players with other major professional sports unions, allowing them to leverage the AFL-CIO's influence on issues like labor rights and gender equity in sports.

The details

The PWHLPA became the 65th union to join the AFL-CIO and the 10th players association on the federation's sports council. The affiliation was approved during meetings in Washington, D.C., and comes as women's hockey enjoys a surge in popularity following the U.S. team's Olympic gold medal. PWHLPA executive director Malaika Underwood said the partnership reflects the players' belief that 'when athletes stand together and they work collectively, they can shape the future of their sport'.

  • The PWHLPA formed when the league launched in summer 2023, becoming the first women's pro sports league with a CBA in place before playing its first game.
  • The PWHL has expanded from 6 to 8 teams since its inaugural season, with plans to add up to 4 more next year.
  • The PWHL's current CBA runs through 2031, though the union is open to renegotiating it early if league executives choose.

The players

Malaika Underwood

Executive director of the PWHLPA, who previously worked at the consulting firm OneTeam representing the commercial interests of many player associations.

Liz Shuler

President of the AFL-CIO, the largest labor federation in the U.S. representing nearly 15 million workers.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This isn't a moment, it is a movement. I think this affiliation really reflects something our members have believed from the beginning. When athletes stand together and they work collectively, they can shape the future of their sport. And they are doing just that. It is amazing to be part of.”

— Malaika Underwood, Executive Director, PWHLPA (The Associated Press)

“These players have platforms, and they have a voice and power. And when they use it to advance workers' issues, we all win. So I think connecting those common struggles has been at the root of why we think this partnership is so important.”

— Liz Shuler, President, AFL-CIO (The Associated Press)

What’s next

The PWHLPA and PWHL will continue negotiating the league's collective bargaining agreement, which currently runs through 2031. The affiliation with the AFL-CIO provides the players' union with additional resources and bargaining power as it advocates for its members.

The takeaway

The PWHLPA's affiliation with the powerful AFL-CIO labor federation demonstrates the growing influence and ambition of women's professional hockey players to shape the future of their sport. By aligning with a 15-million-member union, the players have strengthened their collective voice and bargaining position as they work to secure better working conditions and a larger platform for the rapidly expanding PWHL.