Discover Returns to Help PHF Raise the Isobel Cup
Published on February 24, 2022 under Premier Hockey Federation (PHF) News Release
(Brooklyn, N.Y.) - The Premier Hockey Federation (PHF) in association with Discover Financial Services (NYSE: DFS) today announced a partnership extension through the remainder of the 2021-22 PHF season giving Discover exclusivity as the Official Credit Card and Banking Partner of the PHF and naming them presenting sponsor of the 2022 Isobel Cup Playoffs. This extension builds upon the PHF's and Discover's original landmark deal announced in January 2021, which is the largest in league history.
"Discover's continued support and advocacy for our athletes is what makes this partnership so special," said PHF Commissioner Tyler Tumminia. "Partners like Discover who provide an ongoing commitment to help grow the game and drive the mission towards pay equity for professional women's hockey players are important difference makers for the PHF. We are grateful for their belief in us and look forward to raising the Isobel Cup together in March."
The 2022 Isobel Cup Playoffs, presented by Discover, will take place March 25-28 at AdventHealth Center Ice near Tampa Bay, Florida where all six PHF teams will compete for the sport's top prize. The schedule consists of five games including two preliminary round matchups on Friday, March 25 followed by two semifinals on Sunday, March 27 all streaming live across the United States on ESPN+ and internationally on ESPN affiliates including TSN Direct in Canada. The Isobel Cup will be awarded on Monday, March 28 live at 9:00 p.m. ET on ESPN2 and TSN2 reaching the largest single broadcast audience ever for professional women's hockey.
"The Premier Hockey Federation continues to fuel the growth of women's hockey and Discover is honored to be the Official Credit Card and Banking Partner of the PHF and the 2022 Isobel Cup Playoffs," said Kate Manfred, Senior Vice President, and Chief Marketing Officer at Discover. "Discover has long been a sponsor of hockey at all levels and we look forward to continuing our support of the PHF's amazing athletes on-and-off the ice."
The partnership represents another significant step for the PHF which designates 50 percent of league-wide sponsorship revenue to help increase player salaries so that athletes can make a living playing the sport they love. Discover's contributions to the PHF's developing business model helped double the salary cap to $300,000 per team for the 2021-22 season. Substantial growth is on the horizon given a recent commitment from the Board of Governors to invest $25 million over the next three years to directly enhance the player experience. Expansion to eight teams for the 2022-23 season along with a salary cap of $750,000 per team, full healthcare benefits and equity in the teams, facility upgrades, new equipment, and increased ice time are all part of the investment to professional PHF athletes.
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