• Loading stock data...
Sunday, May 12, 2024

Will Women’s Pro Hockey Match WNBA, NWSL Success? Good Luck Getting a Ticket to Find Out

  • New women’s pro hockey league starts with a series of sellouts.
  • PWHL is aided by a series of key backers, both financially and logistically.
John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

The ongoing rise of women’s sports has hit another breakthrough moment with this week’s on-ice debut of the Professional Women’s Hockey League.

Borne out of the 2023 merger of the former Premier Hockey Federation and Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association, the six-team PWHL is looking for a similar type of cultural and business impact as has been achieved in the past year by the WNBA and NWSL. Early indications show that the PWHL is on its way.

The league’s first-ever game was held Monday at Toronto’s Mattamy Athletic Center, formerly Maple Leaf Gardens, drawing a sellout crowd of 2,537, and the PWHL’s Toronto franchise has already sold out its entire season-ticket allotment for its 2024 home schedule. Sellouts are also expected for the initial games in Ottawa and Montreal, and the lower bowl of the Minnesota Wild’s Xcel Energy Center is expected to be filled for the home debut Saturday of the PWHL’s Minnesota franchise. 

Ottawa in particular is expected to set a new global attendance record for women’s pro hockey for its home opener Tuesday with an anticipated crowd of more than 8,000, though that record may not last long if the league continues to gain traction.

Historical Impact

That first PWHL game in Toronto began with a clear nod to history with women’s sports trailblazer and icon Billie Jean King leading a ceremonial faceoff. King also has a seat on the PWHL board of directors. 

“I’ve been part of world championships, club championships, Olympic Games, and there was probably more emotion surrounding this one than any of those gold medal games,” Toronto coach Troy Ryan told Reuters. “There’s so much riding on this situation, it is such a long time coming, and so many people fought for the opportunity.”

The league is receiving logistical and operational—but not financial—support from the NHL. Mark Walter, lead owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers and an investor in several other teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers, is the primary backer for the PWHL. 

Also aiding the PWHL are a series of newly completed media deals with MSG Networks, NESN, and Bally Sports North in the U.S.; and with CBC/Radio-Canada, TSN and RDS, and SportsNet in Canada. The American pacts are regionally focused on the New York, Boston, and Minneapolis markets, while the Canadian deals are national-level agreements.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

May 9, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) stands with the team during the national anthem on Thursday, May 9, 2024, during the preseason game against the Atlanta Dream at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

‘Perfect Storm’: The Rise of Local WNBA Broadcast Pacts

With national attention reaching new heights, regional coverage could dictate the future.

Behind the Scenes of a New Caitlin Clark Docuseries

Andrews says this kind of story about women’s sports hasn’t been told yet. 
Mar 29, 2023; New York, New York, USA; American actors and comedians Chris Rock (left) and Ben Stiller sit court side during the third quarter between the New York Knicks and the Miami Heat at Madison Square Garden.

The Haves and Have-Nots: How the Knicks’ Celebrity Row Works

Unwritten rules, an expectation of quid pro quo, and nothing is free.

A Rising Pirates Star and His Famous Girlfriend Are Sparking National Buzz

Last year’s No. 1 draft pick will make his MLB debut, generating big expectations both locally and nationally.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

Why the A’s New Stadium is More Dream than Reality

0:00
0:00

Featured Today

May 6, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Red Bull driver Max Verstappen (1) of the Netherlands walks through the garage area following qualifying for the Miami Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome.

Max Verstappen Is Unstoppable. Is That Hurting F1 With New American Fans?

Formula One could be facing an inevitable plateau in the United States.
Apr 17, 2024; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona Coyotes left wing Lawson Crouse (67) celebrates after scoring a goal during the third period against the Edmonton Oilers at Mullett Arena.
May 4, 2024

Everything to Know About the Coyotes’ Second Chance at NHL Life

The clock is ticking in order to restart a Phoenix expansion team.
April 28, 2024

Just Like We Drew It Up? Stadium Renderings Can Excite, Confound, and Anger

During a historic wave of development, drawings wield more power than ever.
The scene in the green room behind the NFL Draft Theater in Detroit on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. Thirteen college players who will be picked in the first round will be waiting in this large room with friends, family, agents and college coaches on Thursday night.
April 27, 2024

More NFL Draft Prospects Are Staying Home, and TV Networks Are Adjusting

Whether making or missing out on millions, more prospects are staying home.

Careers

Powered By

Careers in Sports

Looking for a new job? Check out these featured listings and search for openings all over the world.
Live Nation
Multiple - USA Careers
Adidas
Multiple - USA Careers
FanDuel
Multiple - USA Careers

Exploding Demand for Preseason Broadcasts Catches WNBA by Surprise

Five of 11 preseason games were available on WNBA League Pass.
May 9, 2024

Arena Schedule Shuffle: Clark, WNBA Also Dealing With the NBA and NHL

Thursday night’s home preseason game was moved because of the NBA playoffs.
May 10, 2024

Toronto Set to Be WNBA’s 14th Franchise, First Outside USA

The league commissioner had previously named Toronto as a possible expansion city.
Sponsored

Rapid Returns: How Technology Is Getting You Back to Your Seat

How Oracle’s POS technology is helping fans get back to their seats faster.
May 8, 2024

Formula One Gets Another Win Off the Track

During the first quarter of 2024, F1 generated $553 million in revenue.
May 8, 2024

The NHL Draft Will Have a Whole New Look. Plus: Sharks Are on the Clock

The 2024 NHL draft is shaping up to be a monumental event.
May 8, 2024

NFL’s Christmas Games Could Be Holding Up Schedule-Release Bonanza

The news of two holiday games didn’t break until late March.
May 7, 2024

WNBA Commissioner Says League Will Finally Get Charter Flights This Season

Until now, the WNBA has mainly flown commercial.