Full Breakdown
AHL and PHPA Reach Tentative Agreement on New Collective Bargaining Agreement
1/8/2026, 6:28:51 AM
Overview of the Agreement
The American Hockey League (AHL) and the Professional Hockey Players' Association (PHPA) have reached a tentative agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) announced on January 7, 2026. This agreement must still be ratified by the AHL's Board of Governors and the PHPA's membership, which includes players from both the U.S. and Canada. The new CBA is set to last for five seasons, extending through the 2029-30 season.
Key Changes in the New CBA
The tentative agreement introduces several significant changes aimed at improving player conditions and benefits. Notable adjustments include:
- Minimum Salaries: Player contract minimums will increase from $52,725 to $61,000 by the 2030 season.
- Playoff Pool Bonuses: The playoff pool will rise from $2.03 million to $2.21 million.
- Per Diem Rates: Increases in per diem rates for players while on the road.
- Commercial Appearances: Introduction of an hourly rate for players participating in commercial appearances.
- Game Scheduling: A league-wide limit of 65 games for playing three games in three nights, along with a mandatory day off after such schedules.
- Qualifying Offers: A new system for under-26 players allowing a one-year qualifying offer at 110% of their prior salary.
- Player Buyouts: New provisions for offseason buyouts, with varying compensation based on player age.
- Veteran Rules: Amendments allowing teams to dress six veteran players per game, simplifying previous restrictions.
Additionally, the agreement establishes a health and safety committee, a labor management committee, and a substance abuse and behavioral health program to support players. The AHL will also adopt the NHL/NHLPA performance-enhancing substance program.
Context of the Agreement
This agreement follows a period of labor unrest in the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL), where players staged a brief strike that resulted in the postponement of 41 games. The ECHL and PHPA ratified a new five-year CBA shortly before the AHL's announcement, indicating a trend towards labor peace in professional hockey leagues. The previous CBA between the AHL and PHPA was ratified in October 2019 and was initially set to last until August 2024 but was extended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Criticism & Opposition
While the new CBA has been met with optimism, some players and stakeholders may express concerns regarding the adequacy of the changes, particularly in light of recent labor actions in the ECHL. The specifics of how the new provisions will be implemented and their effectiveness in addressing player needs remain to be seen.
What's Next
The tentative agreement will undergo a ratification process involving both the AHL's Board of Governors and the PHPA's membership. The outcome of this process will determine the final implementation of the new CBA and its provisions.
