The Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) has announced that its neutral-site game in Detroit on March 28 between the New York Sirens and Montreal Victoire will be the first to reach a national US television audience, with Scripps Sports broadcasting the match on ION, available to 126 million households.
The one-time deal could evolve into a long-term partnership. Scripps, which already broadcasts WNBA and NWSL games, has previously aired PWHL matches in its NHL markets. Detroit-based Ally Financial is the primary sponsor of the 'Takeover Tour' game.
Amy Scheer, PWHL executive vice president of business operations, called the broadcast a historic moment. The deal coincides with a surge in women's hockey following the US gold medal at the Milan Cortina Olympics. Scheer said talks with Scripps had been ongoing for years, with the agreement finalised during discussions at the Olympics.
Scripps Sports president Brian Lawlor noted the increased interest in women's hockey, comparing it to the WNBA's growth. The PWHL currently has national broadcast partners in Canada but has relied on local affiliates in the US. All games are also streamed on YouTube.
The league, which plans to expand from eight to as many as 12 teams next season, has seen a post-Olympic attendance surge, including a record 17,335 in Seattle. Ally's chief marketing officer Andrea Brimmer said the company aims to help create momentum in women's sports.
