Hockey

PWHL doubles down on Takeover Tour strategy as sponsors finally seize the opportunity

Last week, the PWHL announced the return of the Takeover Tour — which brings PWHL games to other markets — for a third season. And the next edition is bigger and better: The league will host 16 neutral-site games and visit seven new cities while returning to multiple stops from last year.

November 20, 2025

A recap of the PWHL’s second season by the numbers

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Just like the PWHL’s inaugural season, the league’s sophomore campaign was chock-full of successes — on and off the ice. Let’s take a closer look at the numbers.

June 09, 2025

PWHL shares Takeover Tour wins that prove women’s sports should activate out-of-market

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The PWHL shared wins from its first-ever Takeover Tour today, which saw all six teams play games at nine different exhibition sites across the U.S. and Canada. Not only was this a brilliant strategy to market test in potential PWHL cities, but the tour spurred engagement and allowed the league to reach new hockey fans.

April 11, 2025

PWHL and Greenfly partnership illustrates marketing opportunity in tunnel walks

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Since the beginning, the PWHL has been intentional in its development, from signing a CBA before the puck dropped to nabbing early broadcast and founding partners. One of those decisions — a deal with software company Greenfly — has provided insight into how athlete engagement behaviors can shape sponsorship, especially amid the growth opportunity of tunnel walks.

April 09, 2025

PWHL sees attendance growth in Canadian and neutral site games

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A new report from Front Office Sports revealed that PWHL attendance has risen about 30% thus far compared to last year’s average, but the gains aren’t being felt everywhere. While neutral site and Canadian games have drawn higher-than-average crowds, U.S. attendance remains flat YoY, which could have ramifications on the PWHL’s expansion plans south of the border.

January 27, 2025

PWHL Takeover Tour could offer brands similar opportunities to the WNBA’s Canadian games

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As discussed on yesterday’s episode of The GIST of It, the PWHL’s nine-city Takeover Tour is only three stops in, but there’s already plenty of discussion on where the league will establish its first two expansion franchises later this year.

January 15, 2025

PWHL partners with three new brands in Canada as league offers unique cross-border access

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Hockey is huge in Canada, so naturally, the PWHL’s popularity is growing fast among Canadian fans and sponsors. After tipping off its second season with nearly 50 corporate partnerships, the league inked three more Canadian-based deals this week, demonstrating its interest in reaching women’s sports fans on both sides of the border.

December 13, 2024

PWHL inks two key partnerships ahead of its new season

Sports Business

PWHL inks two key partnerships ahead of its new season

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December 02, 2024

Winter is upon us, and so is the second season of the PWHL. After scoring serious business wins in year one, the pro women’s hockey league is gearing up for expansion, from adding two new teams by next year to signing multiple partnerships before Saturday’s puck dropped — including one in October with yours truly.

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The GIST of It Podcast

Ep #511

Pazzi in Dallas? Our WNBA draft lottery reaction

November 25, 2025

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Pazzi in Dallas? Our WNBA draft lottery reaction

The future of the WNBA?

It’s coming fast and furious. On Sunday, the Dallas Wings won the No. 1 pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft for the second straight year. Today, co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz trade predictions on who they think is heading to Dallas, before taking a look at the larger WNBA landscape, from the NY Liberty’s new head coach to the ongoing collective bargaining agreement negotiations.

Thanks to Fan Duel for supporting today’s podcast. From the rink to the court to the pitch, FanDuel is the home for women’s sports betting in Ontario. Download the FanDuel app or click here to get started.

A big shoutout to LPGA for sponsoring The GIST of It. Check out the LPGA’s 2026 schedule, lock in your plans, and get ready to cheer on a sport that’s been lifting up women athletes for 76 years.