PWHL Going National

Why It Matters

National exposure dramatically expands the PWHL’s audience, unlocking new sponsorship and revenue streams while elevating women’s hockey in the mainstream sports market.

Key Takeaways

• PWHL's first national TV game airs March 28
• Broadcast on Ion reaches 126 million U.S. households
• Scripps Sports expands women’s sports portfolio on Ion
• PWHL attendance up 20% year‑over‑year
• Olympic gold could further increase fan interest

Pulse Analysis

The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) reached a milestone on March 28 when its New York Sirens faced the Montréal Victoire in the league’s first game broadcast nationally. Partnering with Scripps Sports, the matchup aired on Ion Television, a network that already carries the most WNBA and NWSL games in the United States. The Ion platform delivers the contest to more than 126 million households through over‑the‑air, pay‑TV, CTV and FAST services, giving women’s hockey unprecedented exposure on a mainstream channel.

That level of distribution is more than a publicity stunt; it translates into tangible business benefits for the PWHL. A 20 % year‑over‑year rise in average attendance this season signals growing fan enthusiasm, and national television can accelerate ticket sales, merchandise revenue, and corporate sponsorships. Brands seeking authentic connections with a younger, female‑leaning audience now have a proven vehicle, while advertisers gain access to a demographic that has historically been under‑served by sports media. The partnership also reinforces Scripps’ strategy to dominate women’s‑sports broadcasting.

Looking ahead, the league’s momentum may be amplified by Team USA’s recent Olympic gold medal, which has already sparked a surge in grassroots hockey participation. Continued national coverage could cement the PWHL as a staple of the U.S. sports calendar, encouraging expansion into new markets and deeper media rights deals. As more households tune in, the league is positioned to negotiate higher advertising rates and explore streaming extensions, ensuring sustainable growth for professional women’s hockey and setting a benchmark for other emerging women’s sports leagues. The league’s trajectory now mirrors that of other major women’s sports properties.