The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) has recorded historic growth in the 2025-26 season, surpassing one million total fans in attendance for the first time in its history.
According to league data, 1,116,497 fans attended 120 regular-season games, marking a major milestone in the league’s third season. Average attendance rose to 9,304 per game, representing a 28% increase compared to last season and a 71% rise since the league’s inaugural campaign.
Expansion markets played a key role in this surge. The Seattle Torrent and Vancouver Goldeneyes led the league in home attendance, with Seattle averaging 12,875 fans per game at Climate Pledge Arena and Vancouver drawing 11,234 supporters at Pacific Coliseum.
The league’s “Takeover Tour,†which brought 16 regular-season games to neutral venues, also contributed significantly, attracting around 200,000 fans across multiple cities. Several events set new attendance benchmarks, including record crowds in Washington, Detroit, and New York.
Off the ice, commercial momentum also strengthened. In-arena merchandise sales doubled year-over-year, while online sales grew by more than 50%. Following the Milan Winter Olympics, merchandise demand surged further, rising by approximately 190% compared to the same period last year.
Digital engagement continued to expand as well, with live YouTube viewership increasing by 77%. PWHL games were streamed in 154 countries, up from 106 the previous season, highlighting the league’s growing international reach.
Looking ahead, the league is preparing for further expansion, with plans to add between two and four new teams ahead of the next season, signaling continued growth momentum both commercially and competitively.