PWHL chooses Vancouver as 1st expansion city with 2nd market to be determined: reports

The Premier Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) is set to expand for the first time, with Vancouver being selected as the location for the league’s newest team. The official announcement is scheduled for next week, according to a source familiar with the decision.

The news, which has not been officially confirmed by the league, was first reported by The Province newspaper in Vancouver. The expansion team is expected to be based out of the Pacific Coliseum, the former home of the NHL’s Canucks.

While Vancouver has been chosen as the first expansion city, discussions are still ongoing regarding a potential second expansion team in Seattle. If negotiations with Seattle officials fall through, the league has other candidates in mind for expansion.

The decision to expand to Vancouver was based on several factors, including the city’s large market and growing girls’ hockey base. A recent neutral site game in Vancouver drew a sellout crowd of 19,038, showcasing the region’s enthusiasm for women’s hockey.

Geography also played a role in the decision, as the league aims to broaden its reach across North America. The PWHL currently has teams based in the northeast and St. Paul, Minnesota, making Vancouver an ideal addition to the league.

Seattle is being considered for a second expansion team due to its proximity to Vancouver and existing women’s sports teams, including the WNBA Storm and NWSL Reign FC. A recent neutral site game in Seattle attracted a crowd of 12,608, further demonstrating the city’s potential as a hockey market.

Other potential expansion markets include Denver, Detroit, and Quebec City, though a second U.S.-based team is more likely. The PWHL’s successful Takeover Tour of neutral games this season helped the league surpass 1 million in attendance last month.

As the league prepares to resume its regular season next week, with playoffs set to begin in May, the addition of a Vancouver team marks a significant milestone for the PWHL. Stay tuned for the official announcement next week, as the league continues to grow and expand its presence in women’s hockey.