The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) has rolled out a six‑phase plan to distribute its 2026 expansion roster, setting the stage for the arrival of new franchises in Detroit, Hamilton, Las Vegas and San Jose for the 2026‑27 season. The framework is designed to preserve competitive balance while giving existing clubs a clear structure for protecting and losing players, and it offers athletes multiple windows to negotiate and sign.
A phased timeline for roster building
Phase 1, slated for the week of May 28, requires current teams to submit a negotiation list and protect three skaters while also signing those on expiring contracts. In Phase 2, the expansion clubs will compile a 20‑player exclusive negotiation target list and can make up to five acquisitions, each protected by a binding Expansion Foundational Offer for a cornerstone player.
During Phases 3 and 4, unsigned and unprotected players become free to discuss terms with any of the twelve franchises, allowing teams to add depth up to the ten‑player threshold for the new clubs. Existing teams may lose a maximum of four players under contract for the 2026‑27 season throughout these early phases.
Draft and final signing window
The 2026 PWHL Entry Draft will take place on June 17, with the Vancouver Goldeneyes holding the first overall pick, after which the league will open a universal signing period on June 19, giving the remaining eligible players the chance to choose their destination. This final window marks the culmination of a process that has been shaped to balance opportunity for newcomers with stability for established teams.
Jayna Hefford, PWHL Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations, emphasized the importance of giving players a meaningful voice while maintaining competitive balance across the league. "Our phased approach ensures that every athlete has multiple pathways to join a team that best fits their career goals, and it reinforces the league’s commitment to fairness and growth," she said.