It is important to know where the money comes from before making recommendations and decisions.  How much is internally generated by the sport itself in terms of game tickets, television rights and sponsorships? How much comes from government? The author describes the recent work stoppage by the U.S. women's national team: "They generally sought treatment that is equitable with the national men’s team".  If the men's team generates much more revenue than the women's team (for example in TV rights), is the women's team entitled to the same amount of money? If so, how will the women's team obtain the extra money? by sharing in the revenue generated by the men's team? by taxpayer funding?  
Similarly when it comes to the question of creating separate organizations for women's hockey - where will the money come from?