A major development in the city of Chicago receiving a second pro hockey team has been confirmed

The PWHL brought one of its touring games to Rosemont, hoping to show momentum in a traditional hockey market. Instead, the announced crowd of 7,238 felt thin inside an NHL-sized arena.

That figure mattered because touring games are effectively auditions. League executives watch ticket sales, atmosphere, and local buzz before committing to an expansion city with real money attached.

Chicago has history on its side, from youth participation numbers to deep media coverage. The Blackhawks still pull strong local ratings even through lean seasons, which usually signals a healthy hockey base.

The problem is translation. Interest in watching elite women's hockey did not convert at the gate, and optics matter when expansion fees and sponsorships are climbing.

This all but confirms Chicago will indeed NOT receive consideration for a PWHL expansion team.

Fans in the building were engaged, but the empty sections were impossible to ignore. As someone who wanted this city to pop, it felt like a missed open-net chance.

According to reporting from Brian Sandalow cited by Ben Pope, this was the smallest crowd of the league's tour games. That puts Chicago behind peer cities that are also lobbying quietly for teams.

Allstate Arena can seat over 18,000 for hockey, so drawing under 8,000 lands differently than it would in a smaller barn. Perception becomes part of the math.
From a business angle, the PWHL has been cautious. Travel costs, player salaries, and centralized operations mean each new team must be close to profitable from day one.

Chicago also faces calendar congestion. Winter nights compete with the Bulls, Blackhawks, college hoops, and concerts, making casual walk-up crowds harder to secure.

None of this kills the dream outright. Markets evolve, and one quiet afternoon does not define long-term appetite.

Still, expansion bids are about timing. Right now, Chicago's case took a hit, and it will need louder follow-up moments to stay in the conversation.