Just this Tuesday, it was announced that the NWHL has signed a groundbreaking deal with NBC Sports just ahead of the 2021 season.
For the first time, women’s professional hockey will be aired on a national television network. In the past, the only national platform women’s hockey received came every four years during the Winter Olympics. However, that will all change this season.
“To me, that’s the biggest piece about this, the biggest element is not just touching an audience once every four years. It’s epic for the league and what it does for our brand. But it’s so important for young girls and boys to be able to see female athletes on television like this and not just once every four years.”
– NWHL commissioner Tyler Tumminia
Per the agreement, the NWHL semi-finals, and finals will be exclusively broadcasted live on NBC Sports from the iconic Herb Brooks Arena in Lake Placid, New York.
The same arena, where the US defeated the four-time defending gold medalist Soviet Union at the 1980 Winter Olympics. This historic setting played a large role in the pitch to NBC and solidifying the deal according to Tumminia.
On Feb. 4 at 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m, NBCSports will show the single-elimination Isobel Cup Semifinals. Winners will advance to the finals the following day at 7 p.m.
The games will also stream on NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app.
“As the home of hockey in the U.S., NBC Sports is proud to showcase the NWHL to a national audience. These historic broadcasts on NBCSN furthers our commitment to showcasing the game at all levels.”
–NBC Sports vice-president of programming Michael Perman
On top of this, The NWHL has also announced that they will be working with an all-female officiating staff this upcoming season, proving once again that they can not only walk the walk but talk the talk as well.
Follow me on Twitter @sportyspiccee, be sure to keep up with the NWHL. And check out Beyond Women’s Sports for more articles on amazing women and their sport.
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