The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) has announced the addition of two new franchises in Hamilton, Canada, and Las Vegas, Nevada. Both cities will join Detroit as expansion teams for the upcoming 2026-27 season, further enhancing the league’s footprint as it aims for a total of 12 franchises.
New Franchises Announced for PWHL
The PWHL’s expansion is a significant move for women’s hockey, coming after the league previously expanded to include Vancouver and Seattle last season. Originally launching with six teams, the PWHL now prepares for its fourth season by adding two to four new teams, strengthening its competition base.
Hamilton’s Hockey Legacy
Hamilton’s new team will play at the TD Coliseum, an 18,000-seat venue that was recently renovated. This arena also serves as home to the Toronto Rock of the National Lacrosse League and will welcome the New York Islanders’ American Hockey League affiliate next season.
- Hamilton’s team colors: Gold, Maroon, and Cream
- Gold displays homage to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and the historical Hamilton Tigers (1920-1925)
- Maroon represents the city’s steel industry heritage.
During a neutral-site game held in Hamilton, over 16,000 spectators attended to witness a thrilling matchup, indicating strong local support for women’s hockey.
Las Vegas Welcomes Its First Women’s Team
Las Vegas is enthusiastic about its new PWHL franchise, which will play at T-Mobile Arena, shared with the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights. The presence of NHL hockey has sparked a 600% increase in youth hockey participation in Nevada since 2017.
- Las Vegas team colors: Green and Gold
PWHL executive VP Amy Scheer emphasized the importance of expanding beyond the northeastern U.S., aiming for geographical diversity in the team’s locations.
Expanding Women’s Sports in Ontario
Ontario now boasts the highest number of PWHL teams, with three representing the province next season. Hamilton’s inclusion is viewed as a pivotal moment for the city and women’s sports overall.
Neil Lumsden, Ontario’s sport minister, remarked on the excitement surrounding the addition of a Hamilton team, highlighting its potential to inspire future female athletes.
Future Expansion Plans
The PWHL is considering additional markets for future expansion, with San Jose, California, and Denver in the running. This could lead to the formation of two six-team conferences or three four-team divisions based on geographical location.
The league’s strategy includes testing markets through various Takeover Tour games held in Canada, which have thus far attracted impressive attendance figures.
| City | Attendance |
|---|---|
| Edmonton | ~11,000 |
| Halifax | ~10,500 (sellouts) |
| Quebec City | 14,624 |
| Winnipeg | 15,225 (sellout) |
| Calgary | 16,150 |
The PWHL’s expansion into Hamilton and Las Vegas marks a pivotal chapter in the growth of women’s hockey, promising new opportunities and enhanced competition in the sport.
