What Is 2019 Women's FIH Pro League

Overview

The 2019 Women's FIH Pro League marked the first edition of a new global field hockey competition designed to elevate the sport’s international profile. Organized by the International Hockey Federation (FIH), it replaced the former World League format with a year-round league structure featuring top national teams.

This inaugural season aimed to increase competitive opportunities and global exposure for women’s field hockey. Matches were hosted across multiple continents, emphasizing the FIH’s goal of expanding the sport’s reach beyond traditional strongholds.

• Format: Each team played home and away series against every other nation, though scheduling adjustments led to some teams playing only one leg.
• Duration: The tournament spanned from January 26 to June 29, 2019, with matches spread over five months across different time zones.
• Participants:Nine teams competed: Argentina, Australia, Belgium, China, England, Germany, India, the Netherlands, and the United States.
• Champion: The Netherlands claimed the first title with 33 points, finishing ahead of Australia on 29 points.
• Venues: Games were hosted in 14 cities across five continents, including Sydney, Buenos Aires, and Amsterdam, promoting global accessibility.

How It Works

The FIH Pro League was designed as a round-robin tournament with home-and-away fixtures, allowing nations to host matches and engage local fans. Each series typically consisted of two games, contributing to an overall points table.

• Scoring System: Teams earned 3 points for a win, 1 for a draw, and 0 for a loss, with no bonus points awarded.
• Fixture Rotation:Each team was scheduled to play 16 games, but due to logistical constraints, some teams played only 8 matches.
• Host Rotation:Each nation hosted at least one series, with venues ranging from Wagga Wagga, Australia, to Valencia, Spain.
• Time Frame: The league operated across different seasons to accommodate regional weather and domestic leagues.
• Ranking: Final standings were determined by total points, with goal difference used as a tiebreaker if needed.
• Development Goal: The FIH intended the league to increase competitiveness and prepare teams for World Cups and Olympics.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the final standings in the 2019 Women's FIH Pro League:

The table highlights the dominance of the Netherlands and Australia, who remained unbeaten in most fixtures. The USA struggled throughout, losing all their matches, while Germany showed mixed results. India and China had inconsistent performances, finishing mid-table. This format exposed competitive gaps but also provided growth opportunities for developing hockey nations.

Why It Matters

The 2019 Women's FIH Pro League was a pivotal moment in the evolution of international field hockey, setting a precedent for consistent, high-level competition outside traditional tournaments.

• Increased Exposure: Broadcasting deals and global hosting raised visibility for women’s field hockey in non-traditional markets.
• Competitive Development: Regular matches against top teams helped improve skill levels in emerging hockey nations like India and the USA.
• Commercial Growth: The league attracted new sponsors and media partnerships, boosting financial sustainability.
• Olympic Preparation: Teams used the Pro League as key preparation for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, refining tactics and squad depth.
• Gender Equality: Equal prominence with the men’s Pro League advanced gender parity in international hockey governance.
• Global Footprint: Hosting games on five continents expanded fan engagement and grassroots participation worldwide.

The success of the inaugural season laid the foundation for future editions, proving that a league-based format could coexist with major tournaments while enhancing the sport’s global appeal.