The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) is poised to reach a significantly wider audience with a landmark broadcast agreement. For the first time, a PWHL game will be televised nationally in the United States, marking a pivotal moment for the burgeoning league and the growing visibility of women’s hockey. The game, featuring the New York Sirens and the Montreal Victoire, is scheduled for March 28th and will air on ION, a network owned by Scripps Sports.
This historic broadcast comes at a time of increasing momentum for the PWHL, fueled by strong attendance figures and the recent success of Team USA at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. The league hopes this national exposure will translate into continued growth and attract a new generation of fans. Ally Financial will serve as the presenting sponsor for both the broadcast and the game itself, demonstrating a continued commitment to supporting women’s sports.
The game, part of the PWHL Takeover Tour™, will be played at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, and is expected to reach over 126 million U.S. Households through ION’s availability on over-the-air television, pay TV, connected TV, and free ad-supported streaming platforms. This broad accessibility underscores the commitment to making the PWHL more visible to a national audience.
Olympic Boost and Rising Attendance
The timing of this broadcast is particularly significant following the Winter Olympics, where the U.S. Women’s hockey team captured gold in a thrilling overtime victory against Canada. That final game averaged 5.3 million viewers on NBC and Peacock, becoming the most-watched women’s ice hockey game in U.S. History, according to Scripps Sports. The PWHL has reported a noticeable increase in attendance since the Olympics, with the first three games following the event selling out.
Scripps Sports and Ally’s Commitment to Women’s Sports
Scripps Sports has established itself as a key broadcaster of women’s sports, already carrying the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Brian Lawlor, president of Scripps Sports, emphasized the growing interest in women’s hockey, stating, “Fan interest in women’s hockey is at an all-time high, buoyed by the amazing success of Team USA in this year’s Winter Olympics Games.” He added, “We are thrilled to be teaming with the PWHL and Ally Financial on this milestone event and to bring the excitement of this league to a national audience for the first time.”
Ally Financial has also been a vocal advocate for women’s sports, previously supporting the NWSL by helping to move its 2022 championship game to primetime and increasing the prize purse for the U.S. Women’s Open golf tournament to a record $12 million. Amy Scheer, PWHL executive vice president of business operations, described the partnership as a catalyst for growth, saying, “We are continuing to fuel this rocket ship that is the PWHL as we expand the reach and exposure of our league to new fans.” She added, “This first‑ever national broadcast is a truly historic moment for our league, and with partners like Ally Financial and Scripps Sports, we’re introducing more people to our fast-paced and exciting game than ever before.”
Looking Ahead: Potential for Long-Term Partnership
While this initial broadcast is a one-time deal, there is potential for a more extensive partnership between the PWHL and Scripps Sports. According to ESPN, PWHL executive VP of business operations Amy Scheer envisions a future where Scripps could become the league’s U.S. National broadcaster. The success of this March 28th game will likely play a significant role in determining the future of that relationship.
The PWHL is also exploring expansion possibilities, with plans to potentially add as many as four teams next season. This growth, combined with the increased visibility from the national broadcast, positions the league for continued success and a growing fanbase. The league will hope to capitalize on the momentum and build a sustainable future for professional women’s hockey in the United States.
What comes next for the PWHL will be closely watched by fans and industry observers alike. The March 28th broadcast represents a crucial step in establishing the league as a major force in the American sports landscape.
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