Detroit boosts bid for PWHL expansion team by drawing U.S. record crowd for pro women’s hockey
The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) is gaining momentum as it considers expanding next season. Young women, including those in a record-breaking crowd, showed their support for the league during a recent game at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. Fans held up signs with messages like “PWHL DETROIT NEEDS A TEAM,” hoping to attract a team to the city.
The PWHL, currently a six-team league, is touring cities as part of its Takeover Tour to explore potential expansion venues. Detroit’s strong showing of 14,288 fans at the game surpassed the attendance record for a professional women’s hockey game in the United States. This successful event follows a similar turnout last year in Detroit, where over 13,000 fans watched a PWHL game.
Denver previously held the record for the highest attendance at a professional women’s hockey game, with 14,018 fans cheering on the teams. Other cities in contention for a PWHL team include Seattle, Vancouver, and Quebec, with a decision expected by early April.
The league’s executive vice president, Amy Scheer, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support the PWHL has received. She emphasized the league’s commitment to providing a top-notch experience for fans and players alike. Despite interest from private investors to own teams, the PWHL remains centrally managed for now.
As the season progresses towards the playoffs, the league is exploring the possibility of adding one or two new teams. The final stop of the Takeover Tour will be in St. Louis, where the Ottawa Charge will face the Boston Fleet. Expansion decisions will be made in the coming weeks, with a focus on market size, support, and potential partnerships.
The PWHL’s success and growing fan base reflect the increasing demand for women’s professional hockey. With record-breaking attendance and strong support from fans across North America, the league is poised for continued growth and success in the coming seasons.
