PHF Moves Over to ESPN+: What Now?

Photo Credit: Michelle Jay

Ironically enough, I planned on writing a piece about where the PHF should go once the Twitch deal ended after this year. So. There goes that one. 

I’m not breaking the news to anyone, but I am beyond excited to see that the Premier Hockey Federation (PHF) agreed to broadcast all games on ESPN+ for U.S. viewers. This is huge. ESPN marks the second major sports network to broadcast professional women’s hockey nationally. After NBCSN sent the Isobel Cup Playoffs into households across America, ESPN+ will put it on… laptops and phones across America. 

Let’s address a few issues.

1) The Paywall

Not a fan of paywalling women’s hockey. While putting the games on ESPN+ creates

more exposure similar to how Twitch did it, forcing people to pay drives them away. A lot of viewers during last year’s bubble stumbled upon the PHF from just being on Twitch and seeing the game. Twitch also sent money back to the federation with subscriptions and donations. It’ll be interesting to see how ESPN sends money back to the PHF and its players. 

2) What happens to Twitch?

Great question. I’ll say more in the next question as well, but my assumption is that they’ll just go away. After this season the partnership is up. Both parties must have known this was a temporary arrangement. I’d expect to see post game shows and PHF hosted events still broadcast there at points throughout the season. But things such as the Draft, All-Star Game, and shows have a platform on ESPN+ now. 

3) What about international viewership? 

If you’re reading this part you’re probably a Canadian fan. In that case, wow. I can't

believe after everything I’ve said about Toronto while here you guys are still reading me. I appreciate it. Let’s dive in. I expect this season to be broadcast on Twitch just as the Isobel Cup Playoffs were. However, I see TSN or Sportsnet stepping in this season or the next. What I expect is once a team lands in Montreal TSN will scoop up the rights. ESPN already cooperates with them for certain broadcast and rights to shows like Sports Center. If not, expect Twitch or another streaming service to still hold the rights.

4) And the players? 

Yeesh. You guys don’t lay off. I don’t know. Salaries increased this year which is a massive step up. Shirsey sales still see 15% go back to the players. ESPN+ has to have offered so nice of a deal that it’ll benefit players more than the small amount they received from Twitch. 

Okay. Enough negative energy. Let’s jump into the positives. 

1) The Paywall

Is not as scary as it seems. ESPN+ is $6.99 a month. The NWSL operates some games on CBS while a lot hit Paramount+ which is $9.99 per month for premium, $4.99 with ads. Add on the Disney Bundle and honestly you get a whole lot more than women’s hockey. Plus, most colleges operate their broadcasts on ESPN+, so the younger audience has access already. Just as parents had to log onto Twitch so their daughters could watch, they have to log onto ESPN+ as well. It’s worth the cost.

2) Stepping up to the big leagues. 

I’ve loved how the PHF was accessible over the last several years, but I’ll admit that it was gimmicky. Judge me all you want, broadcasts were gimmicks from season 3. It operated on the “let someone stumble upon it and become a fan” plan. It worked. Plenty of new fans stumbled upon it, but Twitter and Twitch were not the way.

Twitter first introduced a Game of the Week which brought new fans in. While a better broadcast than that of YouTube, it was all to catch the attention of scrollers and keep them watching. Similarly, broadcasting on Twitch hoped to grab watchers whose interest was peaked by the game and keep them.

ESPN+ employs the same tactic except now aimed at sports fans. Twitter and Twitch aimed for non-sports fans to hop on board. ESPN+ now hopes to change the minds and catch the attention of every other sports fan. It operates just like Twitch, somebody watching something else will notice and click onto the game. From there they’ll notice the high level of play and stick around. Once they stay, more passionate fans follow. The PHF is using their same growth strategy and putting it to use on a bigger stage. It’s awesome.

3) Shows find a new home.

I’m not promising ESPN Originals. What I am saying is that shows like “Open Ice” might have their place on a bigger platform. Heck, maybe even new shows emerge. We don’t know what this partnership will bring but it cannot go wrong. There are a few losses here and there but they chalk up to a win in the end. 

4) And the Players?

What about them? Find more exposure? See jersey sales skyrocket as an abundance of new fans join in? Players must be stoked as they hit an even bigger platform. Honestly, I see the PHF moving in the direction of the NWSL where ESPN will begin putting games on ESPN2 or other networks. This is a win for the players. 

So, what now? Rejoice! Watch! Enjoy! Major networks are picking up women’s sports now more than ever. Support them. With the WNBA and NWSL entering their breaks, the best way to support is watching the PHF on ESPN+.