The name change reflects sweeping changes made to the league's managerial structure as well as an influx of private ownership.

The NWHL was North America's first women’s ice hockey league to pay players a salary, and is predominantly based in the United States.

"The league has come a long way since its inception in 2015, and we believe that this is the right time and the right message as we strengthen our commitment to growing the game and inspiring youth," commissioner Ty Tumminia said, per The Associated Press.

"It really mirrors what we are doing.

"Everything about us is new as we’re heading into this new era."

The rebrand follows a series of changes made over the past year in the league's bid to achieve financial stability and move beyond the investor-based, start-up model the NWHL first operated under commissioner Dani Rylan Kearney.

Before Tumminia replaced Kearnley, the league owned all of its franchise teams but following a takeover they were sold to private owners.

This led to the NWHL announcing that it was doubling its salary cap to $300,000 (£217,000/€252,750) despite the financial blow dealt by COVID-19.

The decision to change names also provided the six-team league an opportunity to make a social statement by removing gender from its title.

"We felt it’s time for our players to be defined by their talent and skill," Tumminia said.

"It’s not like they’re female phenomenal.

"You’re just phenomenal."

In billing the change "No Labels, No Limits", the Premier Hockey Federation also focused on having its new title be more inclusive by respecting the various gender identities of its players and fanbase.

Tumminia said the decision to go with the word "Federation" represented a desire to reflect the international makeup of its players.

The change should also help better market the league globally, it is claimed, especially in Europe and Asia.

There are six Premier Hockey Federation teams - five in the US and one in Canada, after the Toronto Six were founded last year.