The International Olympic Committee has confirmed that the 2030 Winter Olympics will be staged in Lyon, France, after the original proposal for Nice was abandoned following opposition from local officials.
A new format for Olympic hockey
Women's ice hockey will see its roster size increase from 23 to 25 athletes, matching the long‑standing 25‑player limit in the men's tournament.
This adjustment is part of a broader effort to achieve gender balance at the Games, with the IOC reporting 1,525 female and 1,521 male participants across all sports.
The tournament will feature ten women's teams and twelve men's teams, reflecting the expanded rosters and the IOC's commitment to equal representation.
Women's hockey made its Olympic debut in Nagano in 1998, and the United States and Canada have dominated the podium, with the U.S. securing three gold medals and Canada five.
In February, the United States defeated Canada in the women's final in Milan, underscoring the fierce rivalry that has defined the sport.
Political tensions also surfaced, as Nice mayor Eric Ciotti publicly opposed the decision to relocate the Games, highlighting the complex interplay between sport governance and local politics.