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Three Reasons Why the PWHL Can Work In Las Vegas

The PWHL has been a resounding success for hockey fans everyone. Here's why it can work in the entertainment capital of the world.

By Jacob Walters |
Las Vegas To Host 2024 Super Bowl LVIII
Las Vegas To Host 2024 Super Bowl LVIII / George Rose/GettyImages
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It's no secret the Vegas Golden Knights have been a resounding success in sports. The team was recently nominated for "Team of the Year" by SBJ.

Competing with Patrick Mahomes and Lionel Messi is pretty cool. It shows the Golden Knights have come a long way from their expansion days. After all, that's what happens when a Stanley Cup-winning team is near the NHL's top in attendance by capacity (second at 103.6%).

Which brings up a question: What about a PWHL team in Sin City? Why not one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States? The PWHL is gaining traction as a league, so it's time for the ladies to shine bright. Here are three reasons why the league can thrive in Las Vegas.

1. Women's Sports Work in Las Vegas

Las Vegas Aces Victory Parade & Rally
Las Vegas Aces Victory Parade & Rally / Ethan Miller/GettyImages

If one wants proof that women's sports can work in Las Vegas, look no further than the back-to-back WNBA champions, the Las Vegas Aces. The Aces set numerous marks during the 2023 regular season, establishing themselves as a must-see show in Vegas.

How big have the Aces gotten? They had the highest average attendance in 2023, averaging 9,551 fans a game. They also saw the highest increase in average attendance from the previous season (66%) and had the biggest draw in a 2023 regular-season game (17,406 on September 10 against the Phoenix Mercury). The WNBA champs prove women's sports can work in Las Vegas, especially if they're successful. Speaking of success...

2. The Success of the Vegas Golden Knights

Vegas Golden Knights Victory Parade And Rally
Vegas Golden Knights Victory Parade And Rally / Ethan Miller/GettyImages

Nobody can talk about success in Las Vegas hockey without talking about the Vegas Golden Knights. From their miraculous 2017-2018 Stanley Cup to fulfilling owner Bill Foley's promise of a Stanley Cup in six years, the Golden Knights are the epitome of success.

The attendance figures aren't the only proof the Vegas Golden Knights have. The Golden Knights have won 58% of their games entering Tuesday, making them the winningest team on average all-time. Without the Vegas Golden Knights being a resounding success, there's no discussion of the PWHL in Las Vegas.

3. All the Big Events and Teams Are Coming to Las Vegas

Super Bowl LVIII - San Francisco 49ers v Kansas City Chiefs
Super Bowl LVIII - San Francisco 49ers v Kansas City Chiefs / Don Juan Moore/GettyImages

Las Vegas has had a big run in recent years. From recently hosting a record-breaking Super Bowl to hosting the NHL Draft in the Sphere this summer, Sin City has become a sexy draw for the average sports fan.

It isn't just the four main sports that have huge appeal, though. International soccer (or as other people around the world call it, football) friendlies, MMA fights, boxing matches, and even rugby have made their way to Las Vegas. There are also volleyball teams (the Las Vegas Thrill, a women's team!), an MLB team (the A's), and lacrosse teams (Desert Dogs) growing the city's sports scene.

There's no denying Vegas has staying power in the sports world. The PWHL can do so much in the city if they were to expand their reach. Hosting All-Star games and PWHL drafts akin to the NHL can grow the league exponentially.

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