A New Era for the Premier Women’s Hockey League
The PWHL announced on Thursday that four expansion clubs will begin play in the 2026‑27 season, bringing the total number of teams to twelve. The new franchises join Detroit, Las Vegas, Hamilton and San Jose, each marking a distinct step forward for the league’s national footprint.
San Jose’s entry will be anchored at the SAP Center, the same arena that houses the NHL’s San Jose Sharks. The venue is currently undergoing a $425 million renovation, and the team will use the center’s training facility, Sharks Ice, for practice sessions.
The expansion reflects the league’s rapid growth. After debuting in January 2024 with six clubs in Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Boston, New York and Minnesota, the PWHL added Vancouver and Seattle last year and now doubles its membership to twelve teams across North America.
The league operates under a single‑entity ownership model, with Mark Walter and his wife Kimbra Walter serving as the principal owners of both the league and its teams. This structure is intended to provide stability while the PWHL continues to broaden its reach.
San Jose’s team colors — orange, blue and white — were revealed alongside the announcement, echoing the vibrant identity the franchise hopes to bring to the ice. California also ranks sixth nationally in girls’ hockey participation, underscoring the state’s growing talent pool.
The upcoming 2026 PWHL Draft will take place in Detroit on June 17, and the league has outlined a new expansion process that includes multiple signing windows and eliminates the traditional expansion draft. This approach, championed by the PWHL Players Association, is designed to give prospective players greater choice and negotiation opportunities.
The expansion process is slated to begin on June 2, marking the start of a busy period for teams, players and fans alike as the league prepares for its most ambitious season yet.