The Professional Women’s Hockey League is set to make its national television debut in the United States with a neutral-site game in Detroit on March 28. The New York Sirens will face off against the Montreal Victoire in a game that will be broadcast on ION, reaching 126 million American households. Scripps Sports, known for airing WNBA and NWSL games, has secured the rights to broadcast this historic PWHL game.
This broadcast agreement also involves Ally Financial, the primary sponsor of the game, which has a history of supporting women’s sports, including the NWSL. The PWHL’s executive VP of business operations, Amy Scheer, expressed excitement about this milestone, stating that it will help expand the league’s fan base.
The decision to broadcast the game in Detroit was made during discussions at the Milan Cortina Games, where women’s hockey garnered increased attention following the U.S. team’s gold-medal victory led by Hilary Knight. Brian Lawlor, president of Scripps Sports, highlighted the growing interest in women’s hockey and expressed a desire to build a long-term partnership with the league.
While the PWHL already has national broadcast partners in Canada, this broadcast on ION marks a significant step towards expanding its reach in the U.S. market. With plans to potentially add more teams next season, the league is hopeful that Scripps could become its official U.S. broadcaster.
Scripps’ wide availability on various platforms, including free-to-air, pay TV, and streaming services, makes it a valuable partner for the PWHL. The league has experienced a surge in attendance post-Olympics, with record-breaking turnouts at recent games. Ally Financial’s commitment to supporting women’s sports has been evident through its investments in leagues like the NWSL and events such as the U.S. Women’s Open golf tournament.
Overall, this partnership between the PWHL, Scripps Sports, and Ally Financial signifies a significant milestone for women’s hockey and reflects the growing momentum behind women’s sports in the U.S.