PWHL has its first national television deal in the United States.
The league announced Thursday that its March 28 neutral-site game in Detroit between the New York Sirens and Montréal Victoire will air on Scripps Sports' ION network. The broadcast reaches approximately 126 million American households, making it the first time a PWHL game will be accessible to a national U.S. audience.
The agreement with Scripps Sports is structured as a one-time deal, but the expectation is that it serves as a foundation for something more permanent. Scripps already holds broadcast rights for WNBA and NWSL games and has previously aired PWHL matchups in select NHL television markets. The relationship predates this announcement by several years.
PWHL executive VP of business operations Amy Scheer called the national broadcast a historic moment for the league. Scheer told The Associated Press that the final details came together during recent discussions in Milan, though the two sides had been in conversation well before that.
The timing is no accident. PWHL is riding a post-Olympic wave that has produced sellouts in each of its first three games back from the break. Seattle drew 17,335 to set a U.S. pro women's hockey attendance record. The New York Sirens posted a home attendance mark of 8,264 at the Prudential Center, more than doubling their season average. Both numbers suggest the league's audience is ready for a national platform.
Detroit-based Ally Financial serves as the primary sponsor for the neutral-site "Takeover Tour" game. Ally has become one of the most visible corporate backers of women's professional sports, and its involvement in the broadcast event adds another layer of credibility to the partnership.
The matchup carries postseason implications. Montréal Victoire sits second in the standings with 35 points on a 13-5 record through 18 games. The Sirens hold fourth place at 27 points with an 8-8 record through 19 contests. With the Season 3 Walter Cup playoffs approaching, both clubs need points.
Scheer indicated that Scripps could become PWHL's long-term U.S. national broadcast partner, particularly as the league prepares to expand by as many as four teams next season. Scripps is available free over the air and through connected TV and ad-supported streaming platforms. The distribution infrastructure already exists for a larger commitment.
Strong viewership on March 28 would accelerate those conversations considerably.