A New Chapter for Women’s Pro Hockey
The Professional Women’s Hockey League is set to make its mark in San Jose, bringing top‑tier female talent to a market that has already proven its appetite for women’s professional sport.
The yet‑to‑be‑named franchise will share its home arena with the NHL’s San Jose Sharks and the AHL’s San Jose Barracuda, leveraging the city’s existing ice‑plant and fan base.
Team president Jonathan Becher of the Sharks declared the city “Hockey City, USA,” a nod to the growing prominence of the sport across gender lines.
The league’s expansion plan adds San Jose to a slate that will eventually bring the total to twelve franchises, with the 2026‑27 season slated to begin in late November, though the full schedule remains unpublished.
Shared Venues and Logistics
Sharing the ice between three professional outfits introduces logistical considerations, from rink maintenance to travel coordination, but also offers a unique platform for cross‑promotion.
The move follows a wave of successful women’s basketball and soccer teams in the Bay Area, suggesting that sustained investment and community support can sustain top‑level women’s sport.
While the official team name has yet to be announced, the league’s leadership has indicated that branding will be revealed in due course, building anticipation among fans and sponsors.
For now, the focus remains on preparing the facilities and roster, with the first puck set to drop in the 2026‑27 season, marking a milestone for both the league and the region.