United States Premier Hockey League unveils performance-based NIL system

Story byAssociated PressThu, January 15, 2026 at 8:39 PM UTC·1 min readNASHUA, 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. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“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.