PWHL Attendance Soars Post-Olympics

The Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) is experiencing unprecedented growth and attention in the wake of the Winter Olympics. The New York Sirens recently shattered their home attendance record, drawing 8,264 fans to a game that also saw them secure a decisive 6-2 victory. This remarkable turnout reflects a wider surge in interest for women's hockey.

Following the Olympic break, the PWHL's initial three games were sellouts, including a league-record 17,335 attendees in Seattle. Upcoming games in Madison Square Garden and Boston's TD Garden are also sold out. This heightened interest has led to a broadcast agreement with Scripps Sports, bringing PWHL games to a national U.S. audience for the first time.

Executive VP of business operations Amy Scheer noted that the league had a two-year lead-up to the Olympics, allowing for strategic planning and market presence development. This included preparing to leverage the Games for marketing to fans and sponsors, with plans for future expansion and youth development projects.

Data from StubHub shows a nearly 50% increase in PWHL game searches since the Olympics, with ticket purchases for U.S. franchises up 42% year-over-year. This sustained interest, driven by the establishment of the PWHL, marks a significant shift from the quadrennial boost women's hockey previously saw without a stable professional league.