PWHL Lands First US National TV Broadcast on ION with Ally Sponsorship

The Professional Women's Hockey League secures a landmark national TV deal, signaling growing interest in women's pro hockey.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 1:20pm

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The Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) has secured its first-ever nationally televised game in the United States, set to air on ION on March 28th. The matchup between the New York Sirens and the Montréal Victoire will reach over 126 million US households, marking a significant milestone for the league's quest for greater visibility and mainstream acceptance. The broadcast is sponsored by Ally Financial, with WPP Media facilitating the partnership with Scripps Sports.

Why it matters

This national broadcast deal represents a substantial leap forward for the PWHL, which has previously relied on regional sports networks and streaming services. The recent Winter Olympic success of PWHL players has boosted interest in women's ice hockey, and the league is now poised to capitalize on this momentum through expanded reach and new fan bases.

The details

The PWHL's 'Takeover Tour' strategy involves bringing games to cities outside the home markets of the competing teams, aiming to cultivate new fan bases. Other cities hosting Takeover Tour games with national coverage include Denver, Detroit, Chicago, Dallas, and Washington, DC. Scripps Sports shares domestic rights to the 2025-26 PWHL season with Fox, Paramount, Gray Media, and Tegna, ensuring the league's games are accessible through a variety of channels.

  • The nationally televised game will air on March 28, 2026.
  • The PWHL is approaching 2 million fans and has experienced a 20% year-over-year increase in average attendance.

The players

Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL)

A professional women's ice hockey league in North America, founded in 2023 and currently featuring 12 teams.

New York Sirens

One of the 12 teams in the PWHL, based in New York City.

Montréal Victoire

One of the 12 teams in the PWHL, based in Montréal, Canada.

Ally Financial

A financial services company that is sponsoring the PWHL's first nationally televised game.

Brian Lawlor

The president of Scripps Sports, which is sharing domestic broadcasting rights to the 2025-26 PWHL season.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The PWHL will continue to expand its reach with additional national broadcast deals and the addition of new teams in Seattle and Vancouver for the 2025-26 season.

The takeaway

The PWHL's national TV broadcast deal and growing fan interest demonstrate the increasing popularity and mainstream acceptance of women's professional hockey, signaling a bright future for the sport.