Hello Sunshine, in partnership with Ally Financial and the Lyda Hill Philanthropies’ If/Then Initiative, revealed two forthcoming documentaries as part of The Rise series, highlighting the evolution of women’s sports. Scheduled to premiere exclusively on Peacock on February 16, 2026, the films will focus on the inaugural season of the Professional Women’s Hockey League and the journey of female athletes at the X Games.
A Closer Look at the Professional Women’s Hockey League’s Debut Season
The documentary on the Professional Women’s Hockey League features prominent figures including tennis legend Billie Jean King. Years of perseverance by Olympians and World Champions striving to establish a league reflecting their skill ultimately attracted support from King and Dodgers owner Mark Walter. This has led to the creation of a new professional platform for women’s hockey, with the film capturing the league’s milestone first season and the athletes who propelled it toward its first championship.
Among those featured are players Alex Carpenter, Aerin Frankel, Sophie Jaques, Brianne Jenner, Hilary Knight, Marie-Philip Poulin, Kendall Coyne Schofield, and Natalie Spooner. The documentary is directed and executive produced by Patty Ivins Specht, known for her work on projects such as Billie Jean King’s Groundbreakers and Wynonna Judd: Between Hell & Hallelujah. Executive producers also include Gina Matthews, Grant Scharbo, Ilana Kloss, Jayna Hefford, Amy Scheer, Kasey Barrett, Azon Juan, and Billie Jean King herself.
Exploring Youth Skateboarding Culture in The Gold Medal Girls of X Games
The second documentary highlights four teenage skateboarders challenging norms within the traditionally male-dominated X Games scene. Olympic gold medalist Arisa Trew leads the story of these young athletes as they compete at X Games Ventura 2024, embodying a new wave of skateboarding that blends sport, culture, and creativity under the sun-soaked backdrop of Southern California.
Featured in this film are Tony Hawk, Arisa Trew, Shiloh Catori, Reese Nelson, Jada Ward, Amelia Brodka, Lyn-Z Hawkins Pastrana, Selema Masakela, and Trevor Ward. Patty Ivins Specht also directs and executive produces this documentary, with additional executive producers including Josh Rakic, Jeff Moorad, Vince Castellanos, and Pete Dellaria.
Continuing the Mission: Empowering Stories in Women’s Sports
The Rise documentary series continues its commitment to showcasing pivotal moments in women’s athletics as the sector gains greater cultural and commercial momentum. Hello Sunshine’s Reese Witherspoon, Sara Rea, Zoe Fairbourn, Sue Kinkead, Lyda Hill, Ty O’Neil, and Nicole Small serve as executive producers across the series, with Ashlyn Harris contributing as a consulting producer. Their combined efforts capture the determination, talent, and influence of female athletes and the investors who support their advancement.
“The Inaugural Season of the Professional Women’s Hockey League features professional tennis player Billie Jean King. A defiant group of elite female ice hockey players – Olympians and World Champions – spent years fighting for a league worthy of their talent.” – Patty Ivins Specht, Director and Executive Producer
“For 30 years, X Games has been at the intersection of youth sport, music, fashion, gaming, and creator-driven storytelling.” – Patty Ivins Specht, Director and Executive Producer
