sports
The PWHL is growing, and post-Olympics boom may take women's hockey to the next level
Women's hockey is growing, and the PWHL is aiming to become the first professional women's hockey league to have long-term success.
TL;DR
- The PWHL is experiencing a significant increase in attendance, viewership, and merchandise sales following the 2026 Winter Olympics.
- The league is privately funded by Mark Walter and has attracted prominent figures like Billie Jean King to its advisory board.
- The PWHL has set multiple attendance records, with one game drawing over 17,000 fans and a weekend total of nearly 50,000.
- Merchandise sales increased by 101% and video views on YouTube grew by 200% during the Olympic period.
- The league is expanding its reach by filling larger arenas in new markets, with plans to add up to four new teams next season.
- The PWHL is actively pursuing media rights deals and has already secured broadcasts on linear networks like Ion.
- Despite financial challenges in past leagues, the PWHL is outpacing expense projections and aims for profitability by 2031.
- Players are experiencing a more stable career, with the ability to play year-round in the PWHL and still compete in the Olympics.