PWHL Expansion: Detroit and Hamilton Emerge as Frontrunners for New Franchises

The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) is preparing for its next phase of growth. Following a sellout performance at Madison Square Garden, league officials and advisory board members have signaled that more franchises are on the horizon. With the league already expanding from its original six teams to include Vancouver and Seattle this season, the focus has now shifted to which cities will join the ranks by the 2026-27 season.

The Race for Expansion: Which Cities are Leading?

While the PWHL has kept specific decisions “close to the vest,” several cities have emerged as high-probability candidates for new teams.

Detroit: A Strong Contender

Detroit is currently viewed as a frontrunner for a new franchise. The city has demonstrated a significant appetite for women’s hockey, drawing 53,586 fans across four games at Little Caesars Arena over the last three years. Adding a team in Detroit would also allow the league to secure more partners in the U.S. Market. Interest is further bolstered by statements from Denise Ilitch, a University of Michigan Board of Regents member whose family owns the Detroit Red Wings and Tigers.

Hamilton and Edmonton: The Canadian Outlook

In Canada, Hamilton, Ontario, has risen as an “intriguing candidate” following the PWHL’s Takeover Tour. The tour’s final stop in Edmonton also highlighted the city as a “natural fit” for expansion, though some local analysts express concerns regarding potential market oversaturation.

The Chicago Question

Reports have circulated on social media suggesting a PWHL team would land in Chicago and play at the new Blackhawks Ice Center. Though, a source from the Blackhawks has stated that those specific reports are not true. Despite this, Chicago remains a market that “checks a lot of boxes” for the league’s expansion criteria.

Strategic Growth and the “Takeover Tour”

The PWHL is using a data-driven approach to expansion. The “Takeover Tour”—a series of neutral-site regular-season games—was designed to bring the league to people outside the existing eight markets and test the viability of new cities. The tour recently concluded its 16th and final stop in Edmonton.

Amy Scheer, the league’s executive vice president of business operations, has noted that while the exact number of new teams is not yet finalized, adding four teams to reach a total of 12 franchises remains a strong possibility. Scheer emphasized that the league is continuing “great conversations” and will make final decisions once they perceive comfortable with the timeline.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many teams will the PWHL have by 2026-27?

The league is considering adding between two and four new teams. If four are added, the league will grow to 12 franchises, up from the original six that launched in 2024.

When will the expansion be officially announced?

According to PWHL advisory board member Stan Kasten, the league expects to share news regarding expansion “in the next few weeks.”

What was the purpose of the Takeover Tour?

The Takeover Tour was used to test “proverbial waters” for expansion by playing games in various cities to gauge fan interest and market demand.

Looking Ahead

The PWHL is moving aggressively to capitalize on the momentum of its early success. By blending strategic market testing via the Takeover Tour with the pursuit of high-interest cities like Detroit and Hamilton, the league is positioning itself for a sustainable and scalable growth model heading into the 2026-27 season.