Faktory ovlivňující návštěvnost utkání v profesionální ženské hokejové lize PWHL

This thesis analyzes the factors influencing attendance in the PWHL, a professional women’s hockey league. The aim of the empirical section is to identify the key determinants of attendance during the competition’s first two seasons using panel regression analysis of game-level data. The theoretical part of the thesis defines the economic foundations of demand for sports, focusing on the specifics of women’s professional competitions and concepts such as the superstar effect and outcome uncertainty. The results show, for example, that attendance is primarily determined by arena capacity and player popularity. Traditional performance indicators, such as recent performance or outcome uncertainty, did not prove to be statistically significant. The analysis further demonstrated that greater distance between the stadium and the city center negatively affects demand, while scheduling conflicts with NHL games have no significant impact on spectator interest. This study provides insights for the league’s strategic management and expands knowledge in the field of the economics of women’s professional sports.