In March 2017, the players of the United States women's national ice hockey team announced their intention to strike ahead of the 2017 IIHF Women's World Championship, after over a year of failed negotiations with USA Hockey concerning wages and playing conditions. The players were publicly supported by the players' associations for the NBA, WNBA, MLB and the NHLPA, and all players USA Hockey approached to serve as replacements for the striking players refused to play. After two weeks, the players were able to reach a four-year deal with USA Hockey, including increased pay and being paid wages outside of the Olympic period.