PWHL Officially Launches, so What are the Keys to its Success?

The women's game has finally united under one league banner. Now we find out whether or not it will work.
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[@br1an432]

the biggest thing that the pwhl needs to do IMO is make watching games as accessible as possible, the womens world cup proved that people will watch womens sports if they can, but it needs to be easy to do

[@devilsmetsfan6393]

The women’s World Cup got 10% of the viewership as the Men’s World Cup

[@br1an432]

@devilsmetsfan6393 10% for a product that is barely advertised outside of the world cup, which is still massive, and if the pwhl can get 10% of the NHLs viewership(which I think it could) the league would start with around 100,000 viewers, which is a very good starting point

[@fonsos13]

EXACT reason why I stated all Social Media Outlets and Terrestrial TV. They MUST make it known where and how to watch. Amazes me how challenging it is to find a way to watch some events because of poor communication.

[@devilsmetsfan6393]

@@fonsos13 The problem is women don’t watch sports and men don’t watch women sports, so who is the target audience. It will fail because they have no target audience. Now turn this into a reality series for women - angry Female hockey players and it will be a hit.

[@kiroolioneaver8532]

People didn't watch the Women's World Cup outside of their country playing though which has always been an issue for women's sports. When the US is not playing in the final, Americans don't watch and with their early departure this time, the ratings for the rest of the tournament went down. I think the silver lining is that networks and sponsors now know you have to market other stars and teams outside of the USWNT to the Americans to get them vested in the tournament as a whole.

[@texan_2ocho965]

I hope the PWHL is accessible and promoted to Girls youth hockey clubs. I have a daughter playing 10U travel and we have two girls travel clubs in Dallas, including a tier 1 club in the Dallas Stars Elite. PWHL would be foolish to not attract the most likely fans that are the most invested. Also hoping there comes a day where a game is played in Dallas.

[@coastaku1954]

Who the hell is playing Hockey in Texas? Hockey is Canada's sport bro

[@Anguyen92AB]

@@coastaku1954 Uhhhh, the Dallas Stars. You know, that one team in Texas who made it further than any other Canadian team in last year's playoffs. Don't be that person. Hockey should be there for everyone in any location in the world to enjoy.

[@FischerFan]

@@Anguyen92AB Sure, with how many Texas-born players on the team? Oh, and if what you're saying is true, why don't we see teams from Bangladesh or Papua New Guinea (just to name two countries) at any elite level hockey competitions?

[@FischerFan]

@@coastaku1954 Actually, hockey teams have existed in Texas in some form for almost a century now.

[@coastaku1954]

@@Anguyen92AB Yeah, the Dallas Stars with Canadian and Northern US players

[@wifishark8]

I have a second cousin who is trying to make it to playing on the Canada's Woman's Hockey Team and if the league works, I would love to see her playing and giving her support.

[@SaintsInHell24]

Simple, don't be like the WNBA.

[@jfkst1]

So don't use women?

[@SaintsInHell24]

@@jfkst1 Not at all. It is pretty much common knowledge that since it's inception the WNBA was run so poorly the only reason why it's still around is because it has been propped up by the NBA.

[@kingvader1234]

​@jfkst1 Where did he say that in his comment? And plus he is effective saying don't make the same mistakes as the wnba did.

[@Shockwave1984]

​@@SaintsInHell24yeah and it's because the league doesn't play in favor of women, instead the players try to be like by the men and fail because they don't lower the baskets

[@Shockwave1984]

​@@kingvader1234he's joking

[@drivethru6155]

Can you cover the draft on the 18th? Drafting entire pro teams seems entertaining

[@adamjosey1543]

Good call. Edit: Sept 1-10th is free agent signings. Sept 18th is the Draft.

[@raradenims]

Yes I hope he will!!!

[@raradenims]

​@@adamjosey1543i wonder why it's reversed like that :0

[@RumAndWhiskey]

I hope he does!

[@adamjosey1543]

@@raradenims it's not an expansion draft where players already have contracts.

[@tbell61]

I think Shannon has correctly assessed the target audience. You have to get girls enthused and excited about a women's league. That is the key to this league being successful. I also think you have to be realistic about the size of the league for quite some time. Six teams sounds about right for the foreseeable future. The WNBA is not really a fair comparison, because the NHL is not in the same position financially as the NBA, who can more easily support the WNBA. Maybe at some point in the distant future, but not now.

[@padraigadhastair4783]

If they can't make it on their own, they will never succeed. You can't force it on NHL fans. You have to get the women excited about the league. I agree six teams should be the max.

[@shanaeverowe9626]

I enjoy watching Olympics and world juniors, as in essence the women's game is comparable to the men's game. Skill is still king, and you can quickly see players that are beyond gifted as the games go on. Hoping it does well and puts a team I can route for in New England

[@LatinxGoyslop1488]

It's hard to say if it works or not. Women hockey players definitely deserve a professional league. If it's affordable I'd be willing to subscribe for a season.

[@collinreidify]

Legit excited to see this. I hope they make it easy to stream

[@ALTDOK667]

All games are on KZbin.

[@SceptileSlash]

The only way this works is if you successfully market this to women. If you can't get women to watch this, the men who watch hockey will always default to the NHL.

[@drivethru6155]

Or if access to games is cheaper, not everyone wants to pay NHL prices to see games

[@jordanfrench4321]

I'd much rather watch a woman's game in person if it's realistically more affordable than an nhl game any day of the week

[@Magdalena8008s]

I'll watch. Doesn't matter if it's women or men. I love hockey. Sad to see some of the comments wanting this to fail because woman. Pathetic.

[@jaymie-lee]

It's not because it's female it's that it's not at the same level as NHL. No thanks.

[@sosa6724]

It's fun to come back to this video months later and see how much the PWHL has accomplished that was also discussed in this video. Like, they're streaming on arguably the world's most prominent video platform, and they *do* allow checking, etc.

[@AvsHockeyMan]

I think a successful women’s hockey league is vital to the growth of girls hockey at youth and high school levels. If young ladies who played youth hockey or high school hockey, knew there was a chance to play the sport pro, then more girls would sign up, and as Shannon mentioned, create a bigger pool of players for pro teams to choose from. As a play by play broadcaster in North Dakota/Minnesota. I could name several girls high school hockey players who could make a huge splash in a woman’s pro league! It would be exciting to see this be successful for the long term!

[@mattasbury5250]

Shannon, great piece here....here in NC, we miss a lot of the women's hockey coverage. Thank you!

[@DocSportello1970]

Big Key....as a Coach, Do Not KISS a player on the LIPS after a Big Win!

[@assassssasa]

Brian Burke is a solid choice as the executive director of the PWHL's player's association

[@cigardaddiosmoke7378]

Very excited to be driving the Boston Pride to their games and have a great season ! They are well loved in New England and I m proud to support the team ! Jimmy D from Boston

[@BostonFreakFlag]

Amen

[@Hockeynut73]

I've said it before THG should be a Hockey league advisor Both NHL and PWhl

[@adamwells6079]

Promoting your stars is key, this is something that the WNBA and women's soccer do very well. You gotta give the casual fans a reason to watch.

[@zackshockeybox5245]

Looking forward to seeing how this works I’d be down for more hockey hopefully they can make sure it’s easy to watch!

[@jaredhoimyr5511]

Hopefully they do something interesting like have captains and nhl starts comment on the games, they need to get the women stars names out their. Get the womens names spoken by nhl stars will help a lot to getting eyes on the game

[@5ch3nk]

My bosses' daughter got a full scholarship to college from hockey. She played on the boys team in high school and did very well. She's very talented...a lot better than I ever was lol...I hope she gets an opportunity to keep doing what she loves when she's done with school.

[@halfnakedfrankenstein]

Excited about this but definitely don’t want another NY in ‘title only’ team playing in NJ.

[@massivecumshot]

Sky rink at Chelsea pier would work for a couple years. Better equipped than Wollman.

[@Coffee993]

Agree- it should be NJ branded

[@saltbae865]

Marketing to girls is the key. The WNBA didn't do that as instead was focused on being a political and social agenda.

[@kirstenkane4469]

I never played hockey as a kid (got priced out, go figure) but I remember watching the WUSA get founded and as a young soccer player at the time it was SO COOL to see my favorite stars on a big stage and really gave me something to aspire to. Then it flopped and I remember feeling a sense of hopelessness that I'd see any womens pro league at all. Really dropped my interest in the sport at that point. For the sake of young girl hockey players everywhere, I really hope this pans out

[@djentleman7]

If your going to play in NJ give us another team damn it! New Jersey would most likely love supporting them especially with the devils surge.

[@dr3putt62]

Tie it in with weekend NHL games… say afternoon Saturday prior to that evening’s game… ticket prices very reasonable.

[@bigdebo7289]

This has complete and utter disaster written all over it.

[@wigsy99]

🤣

[@redwing19682007]

Love the Fighting Saints jersey! Long live the WHA!

[@shanielcabral]

One step at a time, love to see it. And shoutout Snoop Dogg

[@ChippNDipp]

Don't alienate the potential fanbase. Take valid criticism in stride. Don't complain that the NHL makes more money while doing "the same job". I'd love to watch a local women's game if the tickets are cheaper and fun.

[@SombraPiloto]

In other words don't follow the template of the WNBA or the US Women's National Soccer Team.

[@adamjosey1543]

I'd surprised and disappointed if they claimed it was "the same" as mens hockey based on the physical nature of the sport. Also hockey players seem more realistic minded then players in other sports.

[@ShadowWalker-ng1it]

I really the union (or whatever institution will represent the players) understand that for a while they will be closer to a minor league than a premier league esp if as the league is getting it's legs up it's a money sink

[@RevanBC]

@@adamjosey1543 That and there's no physical checking allowed in womens hockey so they shouldn't be allowed to say "The same job" because it's a different type of hockey.

[@_sfort1n577]

​@@SombraPilotothey will, trust me 😂

[@ISUCKATANYOFTHIS]

How about the Hartford Whalehers?

[@MrBacchus18]

They have a better chance with me than wnba. How about that a new "original 6"

[@scottjacoby2594]

I hear you about getting eyes in the product and ticket sales. One way I thought about how that could work is to have the women’s games be run as a double header with NHL games. Think about all the NHL families with girls who would love to come out to see the women play. You would buy premium priced tickets that basically gives you early access to the arena. Watch the women play a matinee and then watch the men play at the prime time slot. Now I’d hate to belittle the PWHL and liken them to an opening act, but on an marketing strategy level, that may just work. And all the pomp and circumstance surrounding a regular NHL game has to be there in the building, too. Ticket holders have to see the production value of watching the game live at the arena to buy that the women’s game is just as important as the men’s game. The best way to make this work is to align each team with a host NHL team. Considering there are just 24 games per team, I’m sure the NHL can find 24 Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays where they can make this work logistically, especially if the women’s team travels with their host NHL team to the games against other NHL teams that host a PWHL team. Eventually, the PWHL will be able to stand on its own and sell tickets to just their games with the fan bases they gather up during the few years they tag along with the NHL.

[@tomcooks2562]

Nope, this league is doomed to fail

[@doug3512]

I think I'd really enjoy seeing some of those games. Alas, I live on the wrong coast.

[@andrewwalsh7415]

I honestly can’t wait for this, having a baby girl in December and stoked to watch this with her as she gets older.

[@djentleman7]

Also I may add I think support will have a lot to do with where the teams are and what city or area they are labeled as.

[@roadhunter72]

Wish them luck, more hockey is always a good thing. BTW- love the Fighting Saints jersey. That should be the Wild’s next reverse retro

[@TheRabidfan]

Im super excited to find a new favorite team and new favorite players ❤

[@mfornelos]

I give it two seasons before this league folds.

[@PuckDropCards]

Love the old St Paul Fighting Saints Jersey!

[@alexanderfysh410]

I was pleasantly surprised Ottawa got awarded a team, but I'm kinda worried to hear the new team is leaning towards playing in the Senators rink in Kanata instead of the 67's rink which is more central. That would be a HUGE mistake IMO. Getting to Kanata sucks for the majority of the city. It's something we put up with to support the Sens, but I'm not sure if people would continually trek out that way for this League. So, I don't think they should share a rink with the Sens until the Sens move downtown, which is hopefully sooner than later.

[@user-ff1oh8up9r]

so excited for this, womens hockey is really enjoyable i hope this does extremely well

[@somethingsomething8511]

Kinda wish they would do it in the summer. I get it, hockey is a winter sport, but when I have 4 NHL games a night to choose from and NCAA and ECHL and the local NAHL and high school teams its just got a lot of competition.

[@eugenemr]

Well my first thought, this will give guys who can't make the roaster in Men's semi-pro league a place to play. 😆

[@JeikobuNippon]

I really want this to work out! I don’t want to get my hopes too high, but this would be awesome if it succeeds. I think hockey is just as much for women as it is for men, and it would be great for girls growing up to have the same pro hockey dreams that boys can have (I have a couple girls who play hockey in my class at work, and this would be so cool for them to be able to get into). I would like to try watching this on TV, and I would definitely go in person if Colorado gets an expansion team!

[@bfish9700]

Agreed. They need competitively priced merch & tickets. Neutral site games out of market would help, I would be up to watch a game but no interest to go to Minnesota in winter to do it.

[@CurriedBat]

True words: We likely lost many good hockey players in the wars.

[@yayturtles7995]

Super bittersweet news coming from Buffalo. Glad the NHL is finally seeming to support the game outside of All Star Weekend and glad that players will seemingly be making more but it really sucks that they came out of the blue and ripped our team from us.

[@w.l.graves7228]

anyone know .. will the games be televised ? or streamed on what sites ?

[@brianhallett4892]

The next "Original Six"!

[@nyern]

I hope they come back to ESPN+ I enjoyed catching PHF games there last season

[@Flypigeonz]

Why not do the season in the summer, through the NHL off-season. Viewership would jump ten-fold.

[@theevilascotcompany9255]

At least, Dangle and THG wouldn't be struggling for content ideas in the summer.

[@Flypigeonz]

I could see myself watching then, some hockey to bet on in the summer, hell yea!@@theevilascotcompany9255

[@nev375]

I would totally watch and follow a Women's league during the off season. I think a lot of NHL fans would. I think it would be far more than 10x the viewership.

[@fonsos13]

Indoor sports in the summer is a hell of a challenge. What markets are Ya looking at? Competition is already fierce. It's also less expensive from an Ops cost to play in winter months when stadia are up and running.

[@Flypigeonz]

I figured there was some logistical reasoning behind it, but let's be real it would give it the best chance to succeed in the long run, we as fans would be happier, and it would almost put them in the same space as the NHL instead of a notch below. Probably not doable, but would be great for all involved.@@fonsos13

[@raradenims]

What apps will it stream on!!!

[@TheErnie1964]

I watched Montreal vs Minnesota,on CBC it was good game low scoring,but worth the watch

[@pearldrums92]

Fighting and hitting

[@THE_bchat]

In my opinion: They need to make sure their season is done by March. They can't get overshadowed by two other established professional leagues (NBA & NHL) entering their post-seasons. They should make their merchandise CHEAP for the first few years. Their goal should be to get as many people as possible to buy jerseys, hats, etc. The more people walking around town wearing something, the more free advertising the league gets. They should have at least one game per week streaming for free on KZbin, which in turn they can use to promote their own exclusive streaming service. An idea that's a little off-the-wall, but the first "expansion team" should run by the league and play all their games on the road. It should made-up of undrafted players or players cut from the other teams' rosters. Basically, it would function as a minor league/development team for the rest of the league, since I don't believe the PWHL will ever get to the point where they could have proper minor league affiliates. My reasoning for them being a road team is so that the league doesn't have to cover the cost of renting-out another building, and a team that plays on the road all year should (in theory) be easier to beat & help boost the records of the other six teams. Perception is everything, and having one team that you know your team can beat makes fans happy.

[@tonywlaschin7842]

Love the fighting saints jersey

[@jeffzrockhistoryresource101]

Maybe they should try Quebec City, and some other big cities like Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Hartford who don't have NHL teams. Less competition for the entertainment dollar. I also would like to see a team in Washington, as a Caps fan I think a women's team would do well there.

[@TheMe9595]

I'll miss the Connecticut Whale logo, one of my favorites.

[@Knightmessenger]

It needs to come back in some form. The hartford whalers have such a classic logo and colors.

[@adamchastan2703]

We'll have to see how things shake out over the next month but at least they kept a team in Minnesota.

[@turtle19dad]

Would like to see the LA Queens one day. Hoping the league expands. Totally would love for the league to succeed.

[@zacharymccullough4625]

The best thing they did was not going with one broadcaster like the NHL did in Canada.... the NHL alienated fans with the move to rogers ... The fact that it's easy to watch and become a fan is huge ... Their merch has been selling out fast .. 150 is perfect the NHL jerseys are 250-300

[@irafair3015]

I hope it works. I'm looking forward to it.

[@HearMeOutGuy]

Love it! they have a Boston team, ganna really try really hard to get my wife into hockey and catch a couple games

[@maximite]

If women support this league the same way they support the Kardashians.. the PWHL would buy the NHL

[@ssmith87]

I watched a number of games on twitch the last time. I will try and watch a lot of games this time around too. I like hockey so much I’ll watch college, juniors, women. I don’t care it’s fun even to watch little kids play

[@inDefEE]

i’ll definitely give it a shot but only if I can go to a website and watch the games. Plain and simple. I’m not gonna pay anything but I’ll let the ads play. If they come out the gate thinking they’re the nhl and there’s 12 subscriptions, blackouts, $150 nosebleed tickets, etc…. there’s no way

[@edwardofgreene]

Put a team in St. Louis and I'll go!!!

[@montanak833]

Excited for Womans hockey, bummed Buffalo didnt get a team back

[@Beardedwelder14]

What site or subscription do you pay for to get all the nhl games? Shannon said for like 150 a year ive never heard of that in the states?

[@justjohnny420]

In Canada sportsnet now is around $150-250 for the year pending if you get the early bird deal or premium/plus whatever subscription that's more expensive but no blackouts in local games.

[@GPEVOX]

States has ESPN plus but it black outs local games.

[@THE_bchat]

@@GPEVOX It also blacks out games that are on the NHL Network. I don't have cable anymore, and didn't get the NHL Network when I did, so I'm really annoyed about that.

[@TheMetalgod777]

Always thought it would be cool if there was a woman's variant of the NHL teams, like women Ducks,Avs,Bruins, ect.

[@bernardprouty1390]

I love this new Hockey. It's a hit. But hard to find on TV.

[@NobuhikuObayashi]

Hey I’d watch it

[@evileyeball]

I would pay a small amount of money to have a subscription to the streaming service. Also until we get a Vancouver team I'm going to support Montreal because the Habs have always been my Eastern Conference Team and as someone with 1/8 of me being Quebecois it's only right of me to pick Montreal as my team.

[@fractaljack210]

With lmited watch time, and a bad economy, they'd best make it cheap. Build the brand over time.

[@EnderSword]

I think if there's essentially any paywall at all to it in year 1, it's dead on the vine. I think it's gotta be free out of the gate to watch online. I think they misfired a bit here, there's some interest in the draft and stuff, but I think they should have been lined up with the Team Names and Logos right at the start. They've got to be really getting the storylines and stuff out to get interest going

[@BayBye2011]

wish them the best of luck as Women's Hockey if done right will work. just do not try to get to big too fast or you will destroy what can be a good league

[@SlackerGalactic]

Let's go Ottawa

[@Phood16]

I know it wont happen but id love if detroit got a team.

[@Knightmessenger]

The name Detroit Cougers would work on multiple levels. 😅

[@evanwakelin7944]

Couldn't they call it the FHL? Female hockey league? I feel like PWHL is a bit awkward to say.

[@Tomten0]

Thank you for reporting on this

[@makattack85]

the should do double headers with NHL teams on weekends, early game is the Women and later game is the Men. could be a cool thing for not only the fans but the arenas as well. This also reminds me of something my friends and i have said for years, THERE SHOULD BE A PROFESSIONAL WOMENS SOFTBALL LEAGUE

[@flon57]

As a woman, thank you so much for this video.

[@TheSportsfan2284]

If PWHL picks up you should start a your wife should start a spin off channel called TWL (The hockey lady).

[@shellysmith1037]

Do everything you can to not be Womens Soccer or WNBA....

[@Shrobulon]

Whenever I've seen women's hockey its always been a good watch. Hoping this league makes it!

[@tysonl79]

I know some people are going to get offended, but I'm going to say it anyway. I've always thought that if you wanted to boost the women's game, then maybe they should hire a couple of scientists or engineers to take data on the women's game vs the men's game like average player height, average skating speed, etc. Then take that data and find a way to scale the rink size to match. I think if the women played on a slightly smaller ice surface it would make it so much more exciting.

[@fatboiii6969]

I recently made a post on Reddit asking about women's hockey, and this is exactly what I was looking for. I will 100% be following with interest and hoping they do it right.

[@TheBillaro]

I'll help them with the body checks.

[@bradleypittman9370]

As a man ill watch it if its easy to find doesnt have to just women to support it i love hockey abd enjoyed every game at olympics and worlds

[@Freshlygrazed]

I'm so hyped for this league, that as a loyal Toronto fan I already despise the Montreal team (whatever that name will be) !

[@edwarddobrowolski9398]

what are their salaries going to be like?

[@BriannonSchaeffer]

iirc body checking is banned in women's hockey under IIHF rules (they're also required to wear full face masks, not visors)

[@CasaleRA]

I was happy to buy a PHF Boston Pride jersey as a gift for my niece, who played HS hockey, at a price point below $100. I would have likely balked at $150. It was well recieved.

[@EmeraldCavaliers]

no league or buisiness will be profitable year 1. I really think this league can work tho. it's fun to watch on world tournament and olympics. Also, I feel like that league could make world cup more competitive since now woman from all over the world will be drafted in teams.

[@tommargarites2811]

The league needs to work into it slowly, if they try to do things at the same level as the NHL it will go bankrupt before the first season ends. Merchandise could help sustain the costs of the the league, but this can only work after the season actually starts and the woman can showcase what they can do, for those who wish to purchase th jerseys and the hats and stuff, think of it as getting your foot in the door, to start collecting, a first edition, first season jersey could be worth a lot down the road, if the league survives it's first year. So in any case, I wish the woman in this new league, great success in their first year, and many years to come.

[@kokushi629]

I would pick up a Jersey if they called the team New Jersey & the played in NJ, but if they called them selves NY & played in NJ, I would be pissed...

[@rt-rd5of]

Will Crosby get drafted?

[@perronechris98]

If it works it won't happen all at once over night. It needs the right model but it will still take time.

[@Waty8413]

If there's no body checking, they should reduce the bulk of the pants and shoulder pads to the bare minimum and optimize speed and skill. The women's hockey that I've seen really leaves me with the impression that their protective gear is overkill for their stature and the physicality of the game(or lack thereof).