United States Premier Hockey League unveils performance-based NIL system

By Canadian Press on January 15, 2026.

NASHUA, N.H. (AP) — The United States Premier Hockey League unveiled a performance-based name, image and likeness compensation that is the first of its kind at the junior level in North America.

The USPHL announced this week it is implementing a league-wide NIL cap of $250,000 per season beginning now, with $180,000 for its Premier Division and another $70,000 toward the National Collegiate Development Conference. Money will be allocated for individual honors as well as championship success.

“The USPHL is now the only junior hockey organization where players can earn verified NIL income while competing at elite national levels, reducing or offsetting tuition costs, building measurable college recruiting leverage and advancing through a paid, performance-based development ladder,” the league said. “Instead of paying to play with no return, athletes now compete inside a system that rewards excellence both financially and developmentally.”

The system the league calls a form of modernization comes as the sport’s landscape is shifting following NCAA rule changes that are redistributing developmental talent in the U.S. and Canada. Some players from the USPHL go on to play college hockey.

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AP sports: https://apnews.com/sports

The Associated Press

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