PWHL Breaks U.S. Women's Hockey Attendance Record at Madison Square Garden

Historic debut at The World's Most Famous Arena marks the league's eighth time breaking the U.S. arena record for a women's hockey game.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 9:22am

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The Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) set a new U.S. arena attendance record for a women's hockey game, with 18,006 fans selling out the first-ever PWHL game at Madison Square Garden in New York. This historic debut marked the league's eighth time breaking the U.S. arena record since its inaugural season in 2024, and the fourth time this season alone.

Why it matters

The PWHL's continued record-breaking attendance numbers demonstrate the growing popularity and excitement around women's hockey in the United States. This milestone at Madison Square Garden further solidifies the league's position as a leading force in the sport and its ability to draw large, passionate crowds.

The details

The record-breaking game saw the New York Sirens host the Seattle Torrent, with several sports icons in attendance, including boxer Amanda Serrano, soccer star Kelley O'Hara, and PWHL advisory board members Billie Jean King and Ilana Kloss. This season, the PWHL has consistently drawn strong attendance marks in the upper teens when playing at non-primary home venues with larger capacities.

  • The record-breaking game took place on April 4, 2026.
  • Seattle set the previous PWHL attendance record of 17,335 fans on February 27, 2026.
  • New York drew 17,228 fans for its Takeover Tour™ matchup at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. on January 18, 2026.
  • Ottawa Charge hosted the Montréal Victoire at Canadian Tire Centre, establishing a new team attendance record in front of 17,114 fans on April 3, 2026.
  • Boston Fleet will make their TD Garden debut against Montréal on April 11, 2026, which has already been announced as a sellout.

The players

Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL)

The professional women's ice hockey league in the United States and Canada, founded in 2024.

New York Sirens

One of the PWHL teams that has been involved in multiple record-breaking attendance games.

Seattle Torrent

One of the PWHL teams that has been involved in multiple record-breaking attendance games.

Billie Jean King

A legendary tennis player and PWHL advisory board member who performed the ceremonial puck drop.

Ilana Kloss

A PWHL advisory board member and Billie Jean King's partner who performed the ceremonial puck drop.

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What they’re saying

“The excitement around women's hockey continues to build, setting the stage for the third PWHL Walter Cup Playoffs.”

— PWHL Media

What’s next

With five to six regular-season games remaining for each team, Boston, Montréal, and Minnesota have already claimed three of the four playoff spots. The race is on for the final berth, with all five other teams still in contention.

The takeaway

The PWHL's record-breaking attendance at Madison Square Garden, as well as its consistent ability to draw large crowds at non-primary home venues, demonstrates the growing popularity and mainstream appeal of women's hockey in the United States. This milestone solidifies the league's position as a leading force in the sport and sets the stage for an exciting playoff race.