A person with direct knowledge of the agreement told The Associated Press on Tuesday night that North America's top women's hockey players are teaming up with former tennis great Billie Jean King and Los Angeles Dodgers chairman Mark Walter to investigate creating a pro league within the next year.

US News reported that the person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the agreement was only revealed during a meeting of the Professional Women's Hockey Players' Association's membership. The Athletic was the first to report on the transaction.

The PWHPA announced its members, which include players from the United States and Canada, that it had signed a letter of intent with Billie Jean King Enterprises and the Mark Walter Group to expand the association's efforts to develop what would be North America's second women's pro league.

Details of the proposed league have not yet been finalized, though tentative plans have the new league featuring six teams with players paid an average salary of $55,000.