The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) is experiencing a period of rapid growth, with attendance figures rising by 71% compared to its inaugural season. This surge in popularity is being compared to the 'Matildas effect' in Australia, where high-profile women's sports events have successfully captured significant public interest and large crowds.

The league’s primary strategy for this growth is the 'Takeover Tour.' This initiative involves scheduling and hosting regular-season games in various cities that do not serve as the league's permanent home bases. By moving games to new markets, the PWHL aims to broaden its fan base and replicate the success seen in other international women’s sports leagues that have successfully transitioned from niche interest to mainstream domestic entertainment.

While the report highlights the success of the PWHL, it frames the league's growth as part of a broader trend in North American women's sports. The article suggests that the ability to attract large, consistent crowds is becoming a standard expectation rather than an anomaly for professional women's leagues. The focus remains on the logistical and marketing efforts required to sustain this momentum, specifically through the strategic selection of host cities for the tour.