ECHL players release letter to fans regarding CBA negotiations

The ECHL CBA expired in June after the end of the 2024-25 season, and the league and its players have yet to reach an agreement on a new one. However, instead of resorting to a strike or lockout to resolve the conflict, the two parties are playing out the season under the terms of the previous agreement until a new CBA can be agreed upon.

In an act of transparency, the letter clarified several key issues that the players and the league are far apart on in negotiations: rest and recovery; fair wages; and community involvement and off-ice contributions.

With regards to rest and recovery, the players cited a need for mandatory rest periods. Despite the fact that they deal with a tough travel schedule, play through injuries, and train year-round, the players are not given a proper rest period away from games and practices like most professional sports leagues provide their players.

“Rest and recovery are not optional for a professional athlete; they are essential to a player’s performance, health, and safety,” said the players. “We cannot keep playing the game if we are not afforded the rest necessary to keep our bodies intact.”

Fair wages are also a significant issue for the ECHL, as players are significantly underpaid, even for a third-tier professional hockey league. According to insider Frank Seravalli, ECHL teams have a salary cap that falls under $15,000 per week for their roster, which in turn means that a majority of players make less than $100 a day, and that’s before tax.

“On average, a player in the ECHL makes just over half of what the referee will be paid in that same game you watch,” said the players. “Even as ticket prices rise and revenue from merchandise, food, and beverages continues to grow, players collectively do not receive a share of these revenues.”

Finally, the players cited community involvement as a glaring issue with the previous CBA. While the players enjoy participating in off-ice activities and community service, they aren’t paid appropriately for their work at those events, something that is standard in most professional leagues.

“Our goodwill has come at a personal cost,” said the players. “Many players now need to find additional work outside the game just to make ends meet, which naturally limits the time available for off-ice appearances and team-run events. Even so, we remain committed to our communities and will continue participating in charitable and fan-driven activities throughout the year.”

The letter concluded emphasizing that the players are not looking for anything more than fairness out of this negotiation, and that while they will be committed to reaching that agreement, they will always be focused on providing a quality product on the ice.