Toronto Metro — The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) is ushering in a new era of visibility and growth in the Toronto Metro area and beyond, announcing a landmark national broadcast agreement as the league embarks on a dramatic expansion. The PWHL, now in its fourth season, has doubled in size since 2024 and features 12 teams across the United States and Canada, reflecting the rising stature of the women hockey league on the continent.

Historic Broadcast Agreement With Scripps Sports

In a significant move for women sports broadcast, the PWHL has finalized its first season-long national broadcast deal in the United States through Scripps Sports. The agreement ensures that games will be accessible to more than 128 million American households. Weekly matchups will be televised on the ION network, widening the reach of the league and enabling fans in Toronto Metro and across North America to follow the excitement of each pwhl season more closely than ever before.

Multi-Platform Access for Growing Audiences

Beyond traditional television, the partnership leverages streaming platforms such as Roku, Prime Video, and Fire TV, reflecting a modern approach to us hockey viewership and women hockey streaming. Scripps Sports will produce and broadcast a marquee “game of the week” every Saturday, complemented by two additional nationally televised games weekly. This layered broadcast plan increases exposure for both veteran franchises and emerging teams while ensuring the action is just a click away for digital audiences.

Spotlight on PWHL Expansion: New Teams and Local Rights

The expansion of the pwhl brings new energy to the league, with Detroit and Las Vegas joining as the latest franchises. The broadcast agreement includes local rights for these new additions, helping foster loyal fan bases and regional excitement. In Toronto Metro, local hockey enthusiasts have witnessed an uptick in support for women’s professional teams, perfectly aligning with the league-wide enthusiasm for the pwhl expansion and womens hockey growth throughout Canada and the U.S.

PWHL’s Commitment to Accessibility

While the Scripps deal elevates the league’s profile in the United States, international fans—including those in Toronto Metro—will continue to have access to live games via the PWHL’s YouTube channel, except in Canada where the league has agreements with multiple broadcast partners. This dual-broadcast approach reflects a determination to balance broad national reach with the tailored needs of regional fans, ensuring the pwhl season remains widely accessible.

A Milestone for Women’s Sports and Media Coverage

The national broadcast deal marks a pivotal achievement for women hockey leagues and advocates for equitable sports coverage. Following the U.S. National Women’s Hockey Team’s recent Olympic gold, momentum for the sport has intensified. Scripps Sports, already an emerging leader in women sports broadcast, now bolsters its portfolio with the PWHL, further validating the potential of women’s sports on prime television. The involvement of outlets like the ion network positions hockey among mainstream weekend broadcasts, contributing to more robust us hockey viewership and setting a precedent for future leagues.

Looking Ahead: Impact on Hockey and Beyond

The ongoing pwhl season promises heightened anticipation both regionally in Toronto Metro and across North America, with expanded teams, improved national access, and growing community engagement. Local sports institutions, fans, and stakeholders are rallying behind the league’s progress, seeing it as a positive force for womens hockey growth and for inspiring the next generation of athletes. As the PWHL continues to break new ground, its blend of on-ice achievement and media innovation stands as a beacon for sports leagues looking to broaden their footprint and legacy.