The PWHL has selected San Jose, California, as its fourth and final expansion market, according to sources familiar with the discussions. This decision increases the league’s team count to 12, marking a significant growth since its establishment in 2024. San Jose’s inclusion provides the PWHL a strong presence in the West, alongside existing teams in Las Vegas, Seattle, and Vancouver.
The potential San Jose team is likely to utilize the SAP Center, home of the NHL’s Sharks. Recent expansion efforts also saw the addition of franchises in Detroit and Hamilton. Amy Scheer, the executive vice-president of business operations, highlighted the importance of geographical diversity and minimizing travel distances between markets as key priorities for the league.
Furthermore, the PWHL is considering the possibility of dividing into two conferences or divisions. The league’s original six teams are Boston, New York, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, and Minnesota. This move signifies the PWHL’s commitment to growth and expansion, catering to a wider audience of women’s hockey enthusiasts.