Checking in With PHF’s Reagan Carey
I spoke with Reagan Carey, commissioner of the Premier Hockey Federation, ahead of the women’s pro hockey league’s Isobel Cup. We spoke about the state of the seven-team PHF, future expansion and priorities for next season, among other topics. (Answers have been lightly edited for clarity and brevity.)
On the current state of the PHF: “We largely consider this the new era. When new ownership declared the $25 million commitment, that certainly jump-started things. I’m almost approaching a year in this position. Our veteran employees have only been here about two years, so everything is still fresh and new. We’re ready to catapult to this next phase.”
On the PWHPA reportedly launching a new league for 2023-24: “We take the responsibility of being the only professional women’s hockey league in North America very seriously. That daily dedication is what has allowed us to thrive in the past 18 months. Starting a league is not easy, so I wish them luck. My commitment has been the same since day one. The PHF’s doors are fully open. We’re always in favor of collaboration with anyone who is working to advance the game. The PWHPA is working on that. I continue to be eager to collaborate and grow the game however we can.”
On neutral-site games and possibility of more PHF expansion: “In the coming season, we’re going to play more neutral-site games and showcase the league in different markets. We have the Isobel Cup in Arizona this year. We won’t be shy about testing the waters in a lot of places, building those relationships, so that we can even more confidently make those expansion decisions.”
On looking forward to the 2023-24 season: “Jim Pfeifer, our chief marketing officer, came in later last summer, so he didn’t have a chance to leverage the offseason. While we’re pleased with the current partnerships, the conversations and meetings with potential partners and brands has been really encouraging during this season. We have great media partners in ESPN and TSN. We’re investing more in content development and reaching new audiences. We’ve made some advances in our facilities. That will continue to be a focal point for us — not just new facilities but how we enhance what we already have.”
And onto the news of the week…
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Seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady acquired a minority ownership stake in the WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces, with owner Mark Davis calling the 45-year-old’s involvement “a win” for all of professional women’s sports.
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Beyoncé and global apparel brand Adidas AG have agreed to mutually part ways, according to a source close to the situation.
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Canadian billionaire Steve Apostolopoulos is reportedly the latest potential bidder for the Washington Commanders after he toured the NFL team’s stadium and training facility.
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NBA legend Magic Johnson has reportedly joined the Washington Commanders bidding group led by Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils co-owner Josh Harris, who remains in talks to buy the franchise from owner Daniel Snyder.
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Sports-focused streaming platform FuboTV Inc. rebranded its service as Fubo via a new ad campaign co-produced by actor Ryan Reynolds’ advertising and production agency, Maximum Effort, a Fubo investor that has a first-look deal with the streaming company.
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ESPN reportedly fired Executive Vice President Rob King after nearly 20 years with the Walt Disney Co.-owned company over harassment allegations related to social media posts.
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Fanatics Inc. is replacing Adidas AG as the NHL’s official uniform supplier beginning with the 2024-25 season.
- SlamBall, a mixture of basketball and football played on trampolines that saw short-lived success in the early 2000s, closed a $11 million Series A funding round, led by IA Sports Ventures and Miami Marlins limited partner Eberg Capital, ahead of the sport’s upcoming summer relaunch.
