A milestone for gender equity
The International Olympic Committee has confirmed that the women's hockey tournament at the 2030 Winter Games will field 25‑player rosters, identical to the men's teams, marking a decisive step toward gender balance.
The decision comes as the Games are set to be held in Lyon, France, after the original plan to host them in Nice was abandoned following opposition from the city's mayor, Eric Ciotti.
When women's hockey first entered the Olympic programme at Nagano in 1998, teams were limited to 18 skaters; the format has since evolved, with the most recent Olympics in Milan featuring 23‑player squads, a number that will now be raised to 25.
The United States and Canada have long dominated the sport, with the U.S. securing three gold medals and Canada five, a rivalry that was on full display when the Americans edged Canada in the February final in Milan.
Beyond the Olympic stage, the Professional Women's Hockey League is preparing for its fourth season, expanding to 12 franchised teams, a development that promises more competition and visibility for the sport.
The shift to Lyon also reflects a broader ambition to showcase the French Alps as a hub for winter sports, with the region already slated to host several other events.
Organizers say the expanded rosters will allow deeper talent pools and could accelerate the growth of women's hockey at the grassroots level, especially in countries investing in professional pathways.