Scripps Sports and the Professional Women’s Hockey League have signed a media rights deal for the 2026-27 season, marking a first for the league.
The Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) has entered into a significant media rights agreement with Scripps Sports for the 2026-27 season. Announced on September 9, 2026, this deal provides the league with its first season-long television presence in the United States. The announcement, covered by The Hollywood Reporter, signifies a major step for the league, which began play just two years prior in 2024.
Under the agreement, the PWHL will feature a Game of the Week on Scripps’ Ion network every Saturday night. Furthermore, Ion will broadcast the Walter Cup Finals series and include additional playoff matchups. This expansion of coverage marks a concerted effort by Scripps to enhance visibility for women’s sports on a national level, as they will also air two PWHL games weekly on their FAST channel, Scripps Sports Network.
In addition, the PWHL plans to keep its games accessible through its YouTube channel and official website, ensuring that fans can continue to follow all the action.
This new partnership underscores a trend towards greater media representation for women in sports. As stated by Amy Scheer, Executive VP of Business Operations for the PWHL, having a national television presence is a step towards increasing the league's accessibility and visibility. She highlighted that this deal would allow American fans to engage with the league throughout the entire season for the first time.
Scripps Sports has also committed to showcasing women’s sports through existing coverage of WNBA and NWSL games, positioning Ion as a destination for female athletic excellence. Beyond the PWHL, Scripps will be a local broadcast partner for expansion teams in Detroit and Las Vegas, further solidifying its commitment to women's sports as the PWHL expands to 12 teams.
Brian Lawlor, President of Scripps Sports, expressed that this partnership not only enhances their programming lineup but also reflects their mission to connect communities with the sports they love. He stated that women’s sports are crucial to achieving meaningful viewer engagement and that this deal highlights Ion's role as a leading platform for women athletes.
This media rights deal is particularly noteworthy as it represents a potential shift in the landscape for women’s hockey and sports in general in the U.S. Crucially, it can help elevate fan engagement, potentially increasing viewership, expanding the league’s fanbase, and paving the way for future collaborations. By securing a national television presence, the PWHL aims to create a more sustainable model that could encourage growth and development within the league.
Additionally, with local partnerships now established in key markets and the introduction of a scheduled broadcast, fans will have greater opportunities to support and follow their teams through traditional and digital platforms.
The agreement between Scripps and the PWHL marks a significant development for women's hockey, providing essential media exposure that could lead to broader interest and support. As the league evolves and expands, the implications of this deal could resonate well beyond the ice, impacting how women's sports are perceived in mainstream sports culture.
Viewers can look forward to an exciting 2026-27 season as the PWHL continues to make strides toward equality and visibility in the sports arena, supported by strong media partnerships.
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