Overview
The ECHL is proud of our teams – and especially the players – who work hard to put a fun, competitive, and entertaining product on the ice and give back to the communities we serve.
The league also remains focused on making sure the compensation and benefits we provide our players support their needs on and off the ice. As we continue to negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA), our goal continues to be on reaching an agreement that increases player compensation, improves health and safety, and delivers on new initiatives that are responsive to our players.
The ECHL prides itself on our ability to deliver high-level competition and provide affordable entertainment in our communities – with an average ticket price across the league of approximately $21. Our approach to these negotiations is balancing the need to best support our players and make sure our league remains affordable and accessible to fans.
Below is the most up-to-date information on negotiations and our latest proposals.
Slapshot – A Quick Look at Our Offer
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Where Things Stand Today
- In late December 2025, the PHPA informed its players that it could force players to stop work as early as December 26, 2025.
- This work stoppage would result in at least some games being cancelled for the 2025-2026 ECHL season, but it would have the largest impact on the players who would stop getting paid, and lose housing and medical benefits – something the ECHL leadership wants to avoid.
- We believe the players would much prefer to continue playing and supporting the fans and communities we serve while we work through negotiations.
How We Got Here
- The current CBA expired this past June, and we did not begin to negotiate a new agreement as early as we have in the past.
- Negotiations have been progressing, but not as quickly as we would like. We have reached a number of tentative agreements and remain focused on reaching a comprehensive new agreement that supports our players and the long-term health of every team in our league.
Additional Background On the ECHL’s Proposal
We want to make sure that players and fans can see the offer we have presented to the PHPA, and in addition to the highlights shared above, the following information details additional provisions that will strengthen the competitive pay and benefits we offer for our players and ensure we can continue to put a sustainable and entertaining product forward that remains accessible to our fans.
Days-Off / 3-in-3
Each Team will be required to provide a Mandatory Day Off each week. No more than 7 days may pass between Mandatory Days off, subject to game rescheduling. If change to the schedule occurs after its initial release, then the PHPA and League will meet to discuss a reasonable change to the schedule. If no other option exists, then the time for the Mandatory Day Off can be within 9 days.
Teams may provide additional days off at their discretion.
After a 3-in-3, a Mandatory Day Off must occur the next day, unless travelling, in which case it will occur the following day. Additionally, after a 3-in-3, an additional day of no mandatory physical activity will be provided in the 7-day period following the 3-in-3.
Travel To Games
Travel: There shall be a 325 mile limit for travel between back-to-back games (i.e. games that occur on consecutive days) during the Regular Season, with the exception that each Member shall be permitted to travel up to 400 miles for back-to-back games up to two (2) times per Regular Season.
Holiday Breaks
2025-26 – December 22 to December 25 – 4 Days
2026-27 – December 21 to December 25 – 5 Days
2027-28 – December 22 to December 26 – 5 Days; Travel may be required on December 26.
2028-29 – December 24 to December 27 – 4 Days; Travel may be required on December 27.
2029-30 – December 23 to December 26 – 4 Days; Travel may be required on December 26.
Addiitonal Player Benefit Increases
- Increased Career Enhancement Payments
- Increased payments for Group Player Rights
- Opportunities for Players to earn compensation through Commercial Appearances that aligns within the League’s Salary Cap