The PWHL Puts The NHL To Shame With Their Latest Update On Broadcasting

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Hunter Bowman
December 31, 2023 (10:32)

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The upcoming Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) season opener on January 1, 2024, between New York and Toronto, is making strides to ensure widespread viewership with various viewing options.

In Canada, fans can catch the action on CBC, TSN, and Sportsnet. For U.S. viewers, MSG Networks, NESN, and Sportsnet Pittsburgh will carry the games. Additionally, fans can tune in via live streaming on CBC Gem, YouTube, and ICI TOU.TV for French coverage. Notably, the YouTube feed will be accessible outside of Canada, expanding the audience for the league's debut.

"The season opener will be available on CBC, TSN, and Sportsnet in Canada. MSG Networks will be the home of all 24 New York games. NESN will be the home of all 24 Boston games. All games will be streamed on the league's YouTube channel and available outside of Canada.»

For those frustrated by the NHL's challenges with regional blackouts and streaming restrictions, the PWHL's approach to accessibility stands out. While it may take time for the PWHL to catch up in viewership, the NHL could learn a lesson or two from the PWHL regarding making games easily accessible.

Here's a rundown of where fans can catch PWHL games starting on New Year's Day:

-PWHL season opener live on CBC, TSN, and Sportsnet in Canada, with streaming options on CBC Gem, CBC Sports app, TSN.ca, TSN app, and Sportsnet+; French-language coverage on ICI TOU.TV.

-For U.S. regional TV viewers, the season opener will be on MSG Networks and NESN.

-All subsequent regular-season games in Canada on TSN, CBC, and Sportsnet across linear TV and streaming platforms like TSN+, CBC Gem, CBC Sports app, and Sportsnet+. Additional games to be announced based on NHL and AHL playoff schedules.

-French-language coverage of Montreal games on RDS and Radio-Canada, ICI TOU.TV.

-MSG Networks to broadcast all 24 PWHL New York games.

-NESN to air all 24 PWHL Boston games for New England fans (excluding Fairfield County) on NESN or the NESN 360 app.

-League agreements permit out-of-market distribution, with potential game additions on networks like Sportsnet Pittsburgh on a case-by-case basis.

-All PWHL games will be streamed on the league's YouTube channel, accessible outside of Canada.

-Additional broadcast partners may be announced throughout the season.

Source: Bladeofsteel