A digital‑first draft class
The Professional Women’s Hockey League is entering a pivotal season after the recent Olympics, with a record 236 players entering the 2026 draft. The surge of interest reflects a broader cultural moment for women’s sports.
Among the most talked‑about names are Caroline Harvey and Laila Edwards, both Olympians who will become the first Black women to represent USA Hockey at the Games. Their combined TikTok following nears two hundred thousand, turning them into de‑facto ambassadors for the league.
Harvey and Edwards are not only athletes; they are content creators who have attracted endorsement deals with brands such as Skims and Red Bull. Their online presence allows them to supplement incomes that traditionally lag behind those of male counterparts.
The financial disparity is stark: the 2025 first overall pick earned $90,500, while the top NHL selection commanded $877,500. This gap underscores the league’s reliance on visibility to attract sponsors and grow revenue.
Beyond individual earnings, the PWHL is capitalizing on nationally televised games and a rapidly expanding schedule. Analysts compare the current momentum to the 2024 WNBA draft, which similarly leveraged star power to boost viewership.
League officials say the goal is to make games appointment viewing, using the social media clout of incoming rookies to capture younger audiences. As the draft approaches, the blend of athletic promise and digital influence appears to be reshaping the future of professional women’s hockey.