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AFLW could learn from success of North American ice hockey leagues

The Guardian Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 7, 2026, 3:00 PM

Last updated Aug 7, 2026

AFLW could learn from success of North American ice hockey leagues

Summary

A piece discusses how the AFL could adopt strategies from North American ice hockey leagues to enhance attendance and engagement in the AFLW. The Professional Women’s Hockey League has seen remarkable growth, with a 71% increase in attendance since its inception three years ago. The AFL is encouraged to embrace a similar approach to capitalize on current momentum in women's sports. As the Matildas effect continues to influence Australian sports, the potential for significant crowd engagement in AFLW remains a focus for league development.

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The Guardian Sport

By the Numbers

•AFLW may benefit from North American hockey strategies.
•Professional Women’s Hockey League attendance up 71% in three years.
•Matildas effect influences growth in women’s sports in Australia.
•Increased crowd engagement can drive league popularity.

Latest Updates

3:00 PMThe Guardian Sport — With a little bravery and these big swings, AFLW can enjoy more magical crowd moments | Sarah Guiney

What they're saying

"
The AFL could borrow some of the gumption from a North American ice hockey league to grow Australian rules football’s elite women’s competition In Australia, it is called the Matildas effect. Elsewhere, it has increasingly become known by a different name: business as usual. The Professional Women’s Hockey League is one of several North American competitions making a habit of not only attracting spectacular women’s sports crowds, but doing so at a domestic level. Just three years into its existence, the ice hockey league is doing a mighty fine job of it too, with last season’s attendance up 71% on their inaugural campaign. Continue reading...
— The Guardian Sportby Sarah Guiney

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IIHF Hockey

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The Guardian SportAug 7, 2026, 3:00 PM
With a little bravery and these big swings, AFLW can enjoy more magical crowd moments | Sarah Guiney
The AFL could borrow some of the gumption from a North American ice hockey league to grow Australian rules football’s elite women’s competition In Australia, it is called the Matildas effect. Elsewhere, it has increasingly become known by a different name: business as usual. The Professional Women’s Hockey League is one of several North American competitions making a habit of not only attracting spectacular women’s sports crowds, but doing so at a domestic level. Just three years into its existence, the ice hockey league is doing a mighty fine job of it too, with last season’s attendance up 71% on their inaugural campaign. Continue reading...

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