Hockey

PWHL welcomes outside investment for first time in league history

In big PHWL news, the women’s hockey league under a single-entity ownership structure opened itself to outside investment for the first time yesterday. The PWHL — founded and owned by Mark and Kimbra Walter — welcomed Kilmer Sports Ventures and Ilitch Companies into the league as strategic investors with a commitment of over $100M.

June 23, 2026

PWHL adds two expansion franchises as new markets offer unique value

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The PWHL is getting bigger and better…literally. After adding an expansion franchise in Detroit last week, the league announced new teams in Hamilton, ON, and Las Vegas, NV, yesterday. If those cities weren’t on your bingo card, you wouldn’t be alone — but each market brings its own value to the league. Feeling pucky.

May 14, 2026

PWHL awards newest franchise to Detroit, proving power of Ally’s hometown marketing strategy

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After three years of playing games in the Detroit market, the PWHL is finally ready to commit to the city. The league announced yesterday that it’s expanding to Detroit, MI, after hosting four games there.

May 07, 2026

PWHL shares impressive growth numbers as new brand partners embrace the league’s value

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The PWHL is getting bigger and better each year and has the data to prove it. This week, the league shared metrics from its third regular season that illustrate a continued rise in fan demand. And that interest is driving more and more sponsorships, with new categories constantly joining the fold.

April 30, 2026

Ally, Scripps Sports partner to present PWHL Detroit game for national audience on Ion

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Ally and Scripps Sports are teaming up to present the PWHL’s first-ever nationally televised game in the U.S. on March 28th. This Takeover Tour stop in Detroit will give the PWHL the chance to reach more than 126M households via Scripps Sports network Ion, home to the NWSL, WNBA, and the upcoming SI Women’s Games.

March 17, 2026

Fanfare around Team USA women’s hockey win illustrates how far game has grown thanks to PWHL

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We’ve seen Olympic popularity spark the growth of year-round leagues, from track & field to fencing. However, the best example may be women’s hockey: As recently as 2022, there was ongoing debate about whether women’s hockey belonged at the Olympics, but the PWHL is helping rewrite the narrative.

February 24, 2026

PWHL shows strong Takeover Tour attendance despite YoY dips

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We’re six stops into the PWHL’s third Takeover Tour, which expanded significantly this year in terms of length, number of stops, and brand partners. While Canadian tour stops are pulling more fans than U.S. ones, the tour is proving successful in every city when it comes to attendance.

January 06, 2026

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

Sports Business

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

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November 20, 2025

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.

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The GIST of It Podcast

Ep #568

Getting emosh about CanMNT's World Cup run, plus Mal Swanson’s advice for the USMNT

June 30, 2026

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Getting emosh about CanMNT's World Cup run, plus Mal Swanson’s advice for the USMNT

CanMNT won their first-ever World Cup knockout game on Sunday, so Canadian co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz are in their feels. Today, they break down the historic win, look to what’s next, and place this game in the greater conversation about the growth of soccer in Canada. And because we’re equal opportunity here at The GIST, we have an interview with USWNT star Mal Swanson on the men’s national team’s chances right after that. Enjoy.