PWHL to Reach National US TV Audience with Scripps Sports Broadcast

First-ever national TV deal for the Professional Women's Hockey League's neutral-site game in Detroit

Mar. 12, 2026 at 5:03pm

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The Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) has announced a one-time deal with Scripps Sports to broadcast its neutral-site game between the New York Sirens and Montreal Victoire on March 28 in Detroit. This will mark the first time the PWHL will reach a national US television audience, as the game will air on ION, which is accessible to 126 million American households.

Why it matters

This broadcast deal is a historic moment for the PWHL as it looks to expand the reach and exposure of the league to new fans across the United States. The agreement also involves sponsorship from Ally Financial, which has played a significant role in backing other women's sports leagues like the NWSL.

The details

Scripps Sports, which has a track record of broadcasting women's sports like the WNBA and NWSL, will air the PWHL game in a one-time deal that could potentially turn into a long-term partnership. The game will take place at a neutral site in Detroit, with Ally Financial serving as the primary sponsor. The PWHL has national broadcast partners in Canada but has been limited to local affiliates in its four US markets until now.

  • The PWHL game will take place on March 28, 2026 in Detroit.
  • The agreement between the PWHL and Scripps Sports was reached during discussions at the Milan Cortina Games last month.

The players

PWHL

The Professional Women's Hockey League, a women's ice hockey league in North America.

Scripps Sports

The sports division of the Scripps media company, which has a track record of broadcasting women's sports like the WNBA and NWSL.

Ally Financial

A Detroit-based financial services company that is the primary sponsor of the PWHL's 'Takeover Tour' game in Detroit.

Amy Scheer

The executive VP of business operations for the PWHL.

Brian Lawlor

The president of Scripps Sports.

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What they’re saying

“The first-ever national broadcast is a truly historic moment for our league. We are continuing to fuel this rocket ship that is the PWHL, as we expand the reach and exposure of our league to new fans.”

— Amy Scheer, Executive VP of Business Operations, PWHL

“We have been able to identify the moments where it's time to build and invest. And then we want to satisfy. There's such an interest in women's hockey right now. We want to partner with the league and build on it. And this is the first step to that.”

— Brian Lawlor, President, Scripps Sports

What’s next

The PWHL is planning to expand by as many as four teams next season, and Scheer envisioned the possibility of Scripps becoming the league's US national broadcaster in a long-term partnership.

The takeaway

This historic broadcast deal marks a significant milestone for the PWHL as it looks to expand the reach and exposure of women's hockey in the United States. The partnership with Scripps Sports and sponsorship from Ally Financial demonstrate the growing momentum and investment in women's sports leagues.