What's happened
The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) is exploring expansion opportunities, with Detroit recently breaking the U.S. attendance record for a women's hockey game. The league's Takeover Tour is assessing potential new markets, with a decision expected by early April 2025.
What's behind the headline?
Expansion Potential
- The PWHL's Takeover Tour has highlighted cities like Detroit, Denver, Seattle, and Vancouver as potential expansion sites.
- Detroit's recent record-breaking attendance of 14,288 fans demonstrates a robust market for women's hockey, suggesting strong local support.
- The league's strategy includes evaluating market size, local support, and partnership opportunities, which are crucial for sustainable growth.
Competitive Landscape
- Other cities, such as Denver, have also shown strong attendance, indicating a competitive race for expansion.
- The PWHL's decision-making process will likely weigh these factors heavily, as they aim to capitalize on the growing popularity of women's sports.
Future Implications
- The addition of new teams could enhance the league's visibility and attract more fans, potentially leading to increased media rights deals and sponsorship opportunities.
- As the league continues to grow, it will be essential to maintain the quality of play and fan engagement to ensure long-term success.
What the papers say
According to AP News, Detroit's recent game set a new attendance record for women's hockey in the U.S., showcasing the city's potential as a future PWHL market. The Independent notes that the PWHL is touring various cities to assess expansion opportunities, with Detroit's impressive turnout being a significant factor in their evaluation. The league's executive vice president, Amy Scheer, expressed excitement about the growth of women's hockey, stating, 'To be here 16, 17 months later and to break the U.S. record... it’s surreal.' This sentiment reflects the broader enthusiasm surrounding the league's expansion efforts.
How we got here
The PWHL, now in its third year, has been actively seeking to expand its footprint. Recent games have drawn significant crowds, indicating strong interest in women's hockey and potential markets for new teams.
Go deeper
- What cities are being considered for expansion?
- How does the PWHL plan to sustain its growth?
- What impact will new teams have on women's hockey?
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What Does Detroit's Bid for a PWHL Team Mean for Women's Sports?
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Corinne Schroeder (born August 17, 1999) is a Canadian ice hockey goaltender, currently playing in the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) with PWHL New York.
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Detroit is the largest and most populous city in the U.S. state of Michigan, the largest U.S. city on the United States–Canada border, and the seat of Wayne County.