PWHL’s decision on expansion franchises to come in 4 to 6 weeks

The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) is currently in the final stages of evaluating expansion proposals, with the possibility of adding up to two more teams to the existing six-team league for the upcoming season. An official announcement on whether expansion will happen is expected within the next four to six weeks, according to Amy Scheer, the league’s executive vice president of business operations.

Last year, the league opened up to expansion proposals, receiving more than 25 requests from interested parties. The evaluation process involves a weighted model that considers factors such as economic opportunity, demographics, hockey community, media presence, geographical location, travel costs, and infrastructure for a professional team. Of these, the most crucial aspect is the availability of suitable arenas for games, practice facilities, and professional-level amenities like locker rooms.

The league, along with all six existing teams, is owned and operated by the Mark Walter Group. It is anticipated that any new expansion teams would also be part of this single-ownership structure. While specific details about potential cities vying for a team have not been disclosed, there is significant interest from markets that were part of the league’s successful Takeover Tour.

The Takeover Tour showcased exhibition games in various cities, including Quebec City, Vancouver, Edmonton, Seattle, and Denver, drawing large crowds and demonstrating the potential for a strong fan base. However, Scheer emphasized that while the tour serves as a partial audition, it is not the sole deciding factor for expansion.

The league’s decision on expansion will impact several aspects of the upcoming season, such as player drafts, scheduling around the Olympics, and even the possibility of trading draft picks. The trade deadline has been extended to March 13, likely in anticipation of a decision on expansion, with rosters set to freeze on March 14.

On the ice, scoring has increased this season following the introduction of the ‘no escape’ rule, aimed at generating more goals by preventing teams from changing players during penalties. The league has seen a rise in attendance, with over 382,000 fans attending games this season, and an expected total of 1 million fans by the season’s end.

As the league prepares for the potential expansion, Scheer expressed confidence in the organization’s readiness to enter new markets and build successful teams. With the continued growth and development of players in the league, PWHL aims to maintain its position as a premier professional women’s hockey league, providing a platform for top athletes to showcase their skills and compete at the highest level.