The Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) reached a new milestone this weekend, as the New York Sirens faced off against the Seattle Torrent in a sold-out game at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The game drew a crowd of 18,006 fans, setting a new U. S. attendance record for a professional women's hockey game. This achievement underscores the growing popularity and interest in women's hockey across North America.
The PWHL, now in its third year, has been breaking attendance records throughout the 2025-26 season. The league's unique structure, with all teams owned by a single entity, has allowed for quick decision-making and versatility in its growth strategy. Games have been consistently drawing strong attendance, especially when played at neutral sites with larger capacities. The PWHL is on pace to surpass one million fans this season, with a 25 percent year-over-year increase in average attendance.
The historic game at Madison Square Garden was not just a win for the New York Sirens, who defeated the Seattle Torrent 2-1 in a shootout. It was a victory for women's sports in general. Tennis legend Billie Jean King, a PWHL advisory board member, performed the ceremonial puck drop. "It was an awesome moment for women's hockey and I hope those moments continue," said Hilary Knight, captain of the Seattle Torrent.
Looking ahead, the PWHL is planning to expand to more cities, with announcements expected in the coming weeks. The league is also focused on securing better broadcast deals to further increase its reach and visibility. With the momentum of the sold-out game at Madison Square Garden and ongoing growth in attendance and viewership, the future looks bright for the PWHL and women's hockey in Canada and the United States.
