San Jose Joins the Professional Women's Hockey League
The Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) unveiled San Jose as one of four new expansion franchises, raising the league’s total to twelve teams. The franchise will call the SAP Center its home beginning with the 2026‑27 season, a venue already shared by the NHL’s San Jose Sharks.
The announcement came during a press conference that featured Bay Area sports legends Brandi Chastain and Kristi Yamaguchi, who recounted growing up in the region without a local women’s professional team to idolize. Their presence underscored the cultural significance of the expansion.
Trailblazers Take the Podium
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan floated the nickname ‘Hammerheads’ as a tribute to former mayor Susan Hammer, while PWHL executive vice president of business operations Amy Scheer highlighted that only three Californian players currently compete in the league, signaling a push to broaden talent pipelines.
Sharks president Jonathan Becher expressed confidence in the team’s prospects, citing overwhelmingly positive early fan sentiment. The move is also viewed as part of a broader trend, with the Bay Area now home to several high‑profile women’s franchises, including the most valuable WNBA team and an NWSL soccer side that set an attendance record.
A Growing Landscape for Women's Sports
The expansion reflects growing investment and interest in women’s sports, a development that promises new opportunities for athletes, sponsors, and fans alike.