DES MOINES, Iowa--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Principal® and the Premier Hockey Federation (PHF) today announced a new sponsorship that includes Principal becoming the exclusive financial services marketing partner of the PHF. The partnership with Principal is a significant step for continued growth of the PHF, which designates 50 percent of league sponsorship revenue to help increase player salaries.
“This sponsorship represents something bigger than a financial commitment to women’s professional hockey – it reflects a dedication to promoting gender equity beyond our own walls,” said Beth Wood, senior vice president and chief marketing officer at Principal. “By providing financial support to the league, we can be a catalyst for meaningful change and drive further female participation in sports.”
The PHF is on the verge of substantial growth with the recent announcement of a $25 million investment from its Board of Governors to directly enhance the player experience over the next three years. The commitment is to raise salaries and benefits, improve equipment and infrastructure, and to expand from six to eight teams for the 2022-23 season to provide more opportunities for elite athletes to pursue their professional hockey dreams.
“The PHF is defined by talent and skill with athletes who boldly break boundaries to grow the game,” said PHF Commissioner Tyler Tumminia. “PHF partners are true difference makers because their support helps provide our athletes the platform to inspire others through passion and resiliency. This is a very exciting time for the PHF and professional women’s hockey as we look to take the sport to the next level.”
As part of the sponsorship, Principal will have a significant advertising presence, including dasher board and broadcast inventory during PHF regular season games and the 2022 Isobel Cup Playoffs streaming live across the United States exclusively on ESPN+. In addition, Principal will be working in partnership with the PHF to create an integrated social media campaign that shines a spotlight on the athletes in the league.
Principal has aligned its sports advertising and sponsorship strategy for 2022 to reflect its internal commitment to gender equity. Through its media investment, Principal is an active supporter of NCAA Women’s and Men’s basketball and professional tennis and golf across gender. The PHF Principal sponsorship was facilitated by rEvolution, which serves as the sports marketing and media agency partner of Principal.
About Principal Financial Group®
Principal Financial Group® (Nasdaq: PFG) is a global financial company with 18,000 employees1 passionate about improving the wealth and well-being of people and businesses. In business for more than 140 years, we’re helping more than 49 million customers1 plan, insure, invest, and retire, while working to support the communities where we do business, improve our planet, and build a diverse, inclusive workforce. Principal® is proud to be recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies2, a member of the Bloomberg Gender Equality Index, and a Top 10 “Best Places to Work in Money Management3.” Learn more about Principal and our commitment to sustainability, inclusion, and purpose at principal.com.
1 As of September 30, 2021
2 Ethisphere Institute, 2021
3 Pensions & Investments, 2020
About Premier Hockey Federation (PHF)
The PHF is the home of professional women’s hockey in North America. Established in 2015 as the National Women’s Hockey League, the NWHL rebranded to become the PHF in 2021 and provide opportunities for elite athletes to earn a living playing the game they love while fueling the continued growth of the sport. The league is made up of the Boston Pride, Buffalo Beauts, Connecticut Whale, Metropolitan Riveters, Minnesota Whitecaps, and the Toronto Six who all compete annually for the Isobel Cup. For more information visit premierhockeyfederation.com.
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