PWHL Eyes Expansion for 2025-26 Season, Keeping All Options Open

The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) is setting the stage for potential expansion, with league executives exploring the addition of up to two new teams for the 2025-26 season. The organization has made it clear that no North American market is off the table as they look to build on the momentum from their inaugural season.

Senior Vice President of Hockey Operations Jayna Hefford emphasized the league’s open-minded approach, stating, “I don’t think we rule out any market. This is a good opportunity for us to learn and continue to explore. So everything’s on the table right now.”

To illustrate just how broad the search will be, Senior Vice President for Business Operations Amy Scheer revealed that the PWHL is preparing to send out over 20 requests for proposals for expansion by next week, with even more potential markets able to approach the league on their own. “I think we want to be an open book, and I think we want to be open to things that we haven’t thought about or things that we haven’t considered,” she said. “Until we have the data and the facts and the conversations, we might be surprised. So let’s go for it.”

Identifying Potential Expansion Cities

The initial timeline calls for proposals to be submitted by the end of December, at which point the league will assess interest and feasibility. While the goal is to introduce two new teams by next year, Hefford and Scheer are cautious about making guarantees.

The league, which currently includes teams in Boston, Newark (New Jersey), St. Paul (Minnesota), Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa, is keeping all possibilities open. Market size, arena access, economic partnerships, and fan engagement will be key considerations in determining new locations.

Several cities have already emerged as potential candidates. In the U.S., Detroit and Pittsburgh stand out, having hosted neutral-site games last season. Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Chicago, and Denver are also in contention. Meanwhile, in Canada, Quebec City has expressed its desire to join the league, while Calgary, a former home to the Canadian Women’s Hockey League’s Inferno, remains an attractive option. Southern California and Seattle are also under consideration. “This is a good opportunity for us to learn and continue to explore,” Hefford reiterated.

A League on the Rise

Expansion discussions come at an opportune time for the PWHL, which has had time to stabilize following a whirlwind inaugural season. The league was launched in June 2023 after Los Angeles Dodgers owner Mark Walter acquired and merged the Premier Hockey Federation into the new organization. With Walter’s financial backing, the league has secured long-term stability, allowing for steady growth.

The PWHL made a strong first impression, averaging nearly 5,500 fans per game across its 72-game regular season. The league also set a record for women’s professional hockey attendance when 21,105 fans packed the NHL’s Montreal Canadiens arena for a matchup between Toronto and Montreal. Major sponsorships with brands like Scotiabank, Air Canada, Discover, and Hyundai have bolstered its financial outlook, and a YouTube streaming deal has attracted 113,000 subscribers.

With an expanded 30-game schedule this season, up from 24 last year, the PWHL is looking at even more ambitious projects for the future, including a potential outdoor game and international matchups in Europe.

Expanding the Talent Pool

Beyond business growth, expansion would help accommodate a rising number of elite players looking to compete at the highest level. In June, 167 players from 19 countries declared for the PWHL draft, but only 42 were selected. Adding new teams would open more roster spots for both European players and the next wave of U.S. college graduates.

“The talent pool is only going to continue to grow,” Hefford noted, reinforcing the need for strategic expansion.

While no final decisions have been made, the PWHL is committed to making thoughtful, sustainable choices. “We will make the right decisions based on growth for hockey, financial decisions, what is the best way to move forward,” Scheer said. “Nobody here is making rash decisions.”

As for the long-term vision, Hefford remains optimistic but cautious about setting a definitive cap on the number of teams. “We know we want to grow,” she said. “But I have a really hard time throwing out a number right now.”

With its second season set to begin on Nov. 30, the PWHL is proving that women’s hockey has a bright and expansive future ahead.