The Professional Women’s Hockey League is coming to the nation’s capital. The PWHL announced Monday plans to host a game at Capital One Arena in January as part of the league’s “Takeover Tour” — a slate of neutral-site events to grow the sport.
Washington’s first-ever professional women’s hockey game will feature the Montreal Victoire and the New York Sirens. The game will begin at 2 p.m. on Jan. 18. Tickets go on sale on Thursday afternoon.
“This event is an exciting chance for fans in our region to experience world-class women’s hockey talent, and a reflection of our ongoing commitment to supporting women’s sports at every level,” said Ted Leonsis, founder of Monumental Sports, the company that owns the NHL’s Washington Capitals and operates Capital One Arena. “The energy surrounding the PWHL is undeniable, and we’re proud to play a role in helping that movement reach new audiences.”
The PWHL is bringing its barnstorming tour to five U.S. cities — Chicago, Denver, Detroit, Washington and Dallas — and six Canadian cities — Calgary, Hamilton, Halifax, Edmonton, Winnipeg and Quebec City.
“The passion and support of fans, and the enthusiasm from cities eager to engage with our league, have fueled our ambition to grow the tour,” PWHL senior vice president of business operations Amy Scheer said.
The league, now in its third season, uses the tour to gauge fan interest for potential expansion teams and grow its audience.
Last year’s tour proved highly popular in drawing a combined attendance of 123,601 fans, including the league setting a U.S. attendance record of 14,288 in Detroit. The game in Vancouver drew a sold-out crowd of 19,038, which ranks fourth on the league’s attendance list.
The world attendance record for women’s hockey was set nearly a year ago when 21,105 people were in the stands for a PWHL game between Montreal and Toronto in the Canadiens’ arena.
The eight-team league still plays the majority of its 120-game schedule in its host cities: Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Minneapolis, Boston, New York, Seattle and Vancouver.
The 2025-26 PWHL season begins on Nov. 21.
• This story is based in part on wire service reports.
• Liam Griffin can be reached at lgriffin@washingtontimes.com.
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