PHF and Discover Extend Partnership for Third Season

Official Credit Card of the PHF since the landmark 2021 deal

Discover becomes first league partner with logo sticker on the front of all PHF player helmets, and first broadcasting presenting partner of all PHF games on ESPN+

BOSTON, MA – (January 20, 2023) The Premier Hockey Federation (PHF) in association with Discover Financial Services (NYSE: DFS) has announced a partnership extension through the remainder of the 2022-23 PHF season. The Official Credit Card of the PHF, Discover’s commitment to professional women’s hockey dates back to a landmark deal in January 2021, the largest in league history. The partnership continues to build new activations including the first-time placement of Discover logo stickers positioned on the front of all PHF player helmets for all seven teams, and a weekly player feature video series to augment their presenting partnership of live PHF broadcasts on ESPN+.

“Discover has demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to the PHF as a significant long-term partner that has helped advance the league in all facets,” said Jim Pfeifer, PHF Chief Marketing Officer. “Their belief in the PHF and support of its athletes on and off the ice over three seasons has been game-changing as we continue making history in our new era. We look forward to strengthening this relationship even further with a partner that shares our passion and goals for growing the game.”

“Discover is proud to continue our support of the Premier Hockey Federation and to be the Official Credit Card of the PHF,” said Jennifer Murillo, senior vice president and chief marketing officer at Discover. “The fact that our sponsorship directly impacts the amazing athletes on the ice and allows the PHF to grow the sport of hockey makes this partnership truly special. We are excited to watch how the rest of the season plays out and who will ultimately hoist the Isobel Cup in March.”  

Discover’s feature video series titled ‘Inside the PHF’ began airing on last weekend’s ESPN+ broadcasts and will continue spotlighting PHF players and many of their incredible stories weekly for the duration of the season. The content builds upon last season’s five-part ‘Beyond the Rink’ series that highlighted trailblazing athletes Madison Packer, Mallory Souliotis, Saroya Tinker, Emma Vlasic, and Taylor Woods and how they are inspiring the next generation. Kaleigh Fratkin, a Boston Pride defender and eight-year PHF veteran, headlined the first segment of this season’s series talking about the league’s exciting growth.

“This new era for the PHF is exciting to be a part of,” Fratkin said as part of her ‘Inside the PHF’ feature. “Resources to players is allowing players to really focus on their training to up that competition and make this league better overall. I’ve kind of seen it all in this league from the beginning until now and the last couple of years in this new era has certainly been a drastic jump. It’s made it very cool to be a part of, and I know for future players it makes it an attractive place for players to play.”

The partnership extension is another significant step for the PHF and its developing business model. The PHF recently announced a salary cap increase for next season, doubling the amount from $750,000 to $1.5 million per team in 2023-24 which marks the third annual salary cap raise and represents 900 percent growth since 2021.

–

About Discover
Discover Financial Services (NYSE: DFS) is a digital banking and payment services company with one of the most recognized brands in U.S. financial services. Since its inception in 1986, the company has become one of the largest card issuers in the United States. The company issues the Discover card, America’s cash rewards pioneer, and offers private student loans, personal loans, home loans, checking and savings accounts, and certificates of deposit through its banking business. It operates the Discover Global Network comprised of Discover Network, with millions of merchant and cash access locations; PULSE, one of the nation’s leading ATM/debit networks; and Diners Club International, a global payments network with acceptance around the world. For more information, visit www.discover.com/company.

About the Premier Hockey Federation
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, Montreal Force, and the Toronto Six who all compete annually for the Isobel Cup. As part of a two-year agreement with ESPN, live coverage of the 2022-23 and 2023-24 PHF seasons is available exclusively on ESPN+ in the United States, and provides international rights for games which includes TSN in Canada. For more information visit premierhockeyfederation.com.