After partnering with Mark Walter and Billie Jean King in 2022, the PWHPA organized a formal players union in 2023 and negotiated a collective bargaining agreement.

Beginning in the late 1990s, several high-level amateur and semi-professional women's ice hockey leagues appeared in Canada and the United States.

The National Women's Hockey League was founded in 1999, mainly comprising teams in Eastern Canada in Ontario and Quebec, before folding in 2007.

[18][19] Notably, in 2023 Noora Räty resigned from the PWHPA board to sign a six-figure contract with the Metropolitan Riveters of the then-rebranded Premier Hockey Federation (PHF).

[29][30] After its formation, the PWHPA focused its efforts on courting corporate and media sponsorships, while also managing to form a number of partnerships directly with NHL teams.

[40] The PWHPA announced it would also be partnering with the Toronto Maple Leafs with the team hosting a game and providing marketing assistance and sponsorship consultation services.

[41] In 2022, the PWHPA entered a formal partnership with Mark Walter, owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, and Billie Jean King with the intent to launch their new professional league.

[47] Its executive committee comprises Brianne Jenner, Sarah Nurse, Hilary Knight, Liz Knox, and Kendall Coyne Schofield.

[48][49] During the ratification vote for the new CBA, it was announced on 30 June 2023, that Mark Walter Group and BJK Enterprises had purchased the PHF, opening the way for the establishment of a new, unified league.

[50][51][52] The PHF was ultimately wound down and in late August, the partners announced the foundation of the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL), with the intent of beginning play in January 2024.

Nine players made up the founding board: Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson, Alyssa Gagliardi, Brianne Jenner, Hilary Knight, Liz Knox, Noora Räty, Kimberly Sass, Kendall Coyne-Schofield, and Shannon Szabados.

[59][60] Seasons also frequently featured exhibition matches between PWHPA members and other teams, including games against NHL alumni.

[61][62] In 2019, the PWHPA set up regional training hubs in Montreal, Mississauga, Markham, Calgary, Boston, Buffalo, Minnesota, and the Northeast United States, where players could practice multiple times a week.

the first showcase in Toronto featured teams captained by Rebecca Johnston, Brianne Jenner, Liz Knox, and Marie-Philip Poulin.

[34] The season was meant to include a stop in Japan with PWHPA players facing the Japanese national team; however, the tour was cancelled due to concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic.