Las Vegas Joins the PWHL as the League Eyes a 2026‑27 Expansion
The Professional Women's Hockey League confirmed that Las Vegas will field a new franchise for the 2026‑27 season, bringing the total number of markets to eleven. The team will host its home games at T‑Mobile Arena, a venue that has already become a hub for major sporting events in the city.
The franchise's visual identity will feature green and gold, colors that echo the natural desert landscape and pay homage to the Vegas Golden Knights of the NHL. This branding choice underscores the league's intention to root the team firmly within the local community.
All PWHL clubs are owned by the Mark Walter Group, a partnership that has provided stable backing for the league's rapid growth. John Penhollow, President of Business Operations for the Golden Knights, welcomed the expansion, highlighting the shared enthusiasm for hockey and women's sports in Las Vegas.
Las Vegas has emerged as a fast‑growing destination for sports and entertainment, a factor that helped secure the league's expansion. The city's supportive environment and existing hockey infrastructure make it an ideal location for the new team.
Details regarding roster construction and the integration of the expansion draft into the 2026 PWHL Draft will be announced in the coming months. For now, the league emphasizes that the addition of Las Vegas reflects its broader ambition to elevate women's professional hockey on a global stage.