The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) is embarking on an expansion process, aiming to add up to two franchises for the 2025-26 season. The league's senior vice president of business operations announced this initiative at the ESPNW Summit in New York.
The league will be reaching out to potential markets by sending requests for proposals and accepting applications. The criteria for selection include market size, fan base, facilities, and economic opportunities. The league is focused on growth and building a stronger presence.
Potential expansion candidates in the U.S. include Detroit, Pittsburgh, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Denver, and Seattle. In Canada, Quebec City has already expressed interest, while Calgary is also being considered due to its past involvement in women's hockey.
Additionally, the league plans to hold neutral site games in nine different markets across North America and is exploring the possibility of hosting an outdoor game. There are also discussions about organizing games in Europe in the future.
The upcoming second season of the PWHL will feature an expanded schedule, with each team playing 30 games compared to 24 in the previous season. The league is yet to announce the locations for its neutral site games.
Quebec City has secured a neutral site game at the Videotron Centre on Jan. 19, which could be a significant step towards landing an expansion team in the city. The game is set to feature Ottawa playing against Montreal, with the exact venue still to be determined.
These developments mark an exciting time for the PWHL as it looks to grow its presence, expand its reach, and provide more opportunities for women's hockey players and fans alike.
