Exciting Growth and A Bright Future for the PWHL
The PWHL, though just over a year old, is quickly achieving remarkable milestones that many established leagues would envy. With its electrifying gameplay and emerging rivalries, the league has carved out a vibrant and competitive niche in the sports world, showcasing the immense talent and dedication of women athletes.
Attendance records are consistently being shattered. In April, an impressive 21,105 fans filled the Bell Centre—home to the legendary NHL franchise, the Montreal Canadiens—for the highly anticipated “Duel at the Top,” featuring PWHL Montreal against PWHL Toronto. This event set a record as the largest crowd ever for a women’s hockey match globally. Continuing the momentum, January witnessed another historic achievement when the Minnesota Frost faced off against Montreal Victoire, drawing 14,018 fans to Denver’s Ball Arena and establishing a new U.S. attendance record for professional women’s hockey.
The league’s vision for growth matches the tenacity of its athletes. Average attendance surged from 5,844 attendees per game in its debut 2024 season to nearly 7,000 this year, bolstered by the innovative “Takeover Tour.” This ambitious nine-city initiative brings games to neutral venues across North America, introducing professional women’s hockey to fresh audiences while exploring potential markets for further expansion. Seattle audiences turned out in impressive numbers, with 12,608 fans witnessing the Boston Fleet narrowly defeat the Victoire. Shortly after, Vancouver raised the bar even further, welcoming 19,083 fans to watch the Victoire compete against the Toronto Sceptres, despite not having a local team.
“Bringing PWHL games to fans in both countries is a natural progression as we strive to expand our audience,” remarked Amy Scheer, the league’s senior vice president of business operations. “The ‘Takeover Tour’ allows us to showcase our game and phenomenal athletes across a broader North American landscape—an exhilarating time for our players and a significant step forward for our growth strategy.”
The PWHL’s aspirations extend beyond North America, with plans underway to introduce neutral-site games in Europe, tapping into the continent’s increasing enthusiasm for women’s hockey. With numerous proposals in the pipeline, the PWHL is considering the addition of two new teams to its already impressive lineup.
The league’s rise is also being reflected in popular culture, illustrated by its inclusion in EA Sports’ NHL 25 video game. Whether on television, in video games, or live in arenas, women’s ice hockey is rapidly solidifying its place in the global hockey narrative. For a league still establishing its identity, the PWHL is already defying expectations and paving the way for a promising future.
