Vancouver to Host First New Team, Seattle in Consideration

The first expansion team of the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) will be located in Vancouver. An official announcement is anticipated next week. This information was confirmed by a source familiar with the decision, who requested anonymity as the league has not yet made a public statement.

The league is currently postponing the announcement of a second expansion city, with Seattle under consideration. The league has alternative options if discussions with Seattle officials are unsuccessful.

The Vancouver expansion announcement is expected on Wednesday. Media outlets have been invited to a press conference described as an "historic announcement for sport in Vancouver and British Columbia." The new team is likely to play at the Pacific Coliseum, formerly home to the NHL's Vancouver Canucks.

The PWHL has declined to comment on the specifics, stating they are finalizing expansion plans and will share details soon. The league, currently in its second season, has been evaluating over 20 markets for potential expansion, with the possibility of adding up to two franchises.

The selection of Vancouver aligns with key criteria for the women's professional league, founded in June 2023. The league is backed by Dodgers owner Mark Walter and tennis icon Billie Jean King. The region's large market and growing girls' hockey base were evident in January when a neutral site game in Vancouver drew a sellout crowd.

Geography is also a factor, as the league aims to expand its presence across North America. The current teams are primarily located in the northeast and one in Minnesota. PWHL officials have expressed concerns about launching a new professional women's league on the west coast.

Adding a team in Seattle would be logical due to its proximity to Vancouver and the presence of existing professional women's teams. Other potential markets include Denver, Detroit, and Quebec City, though the PWHL may prefer a second U.S.-based team.

The PWHL's neutral site games this season have been successful, attracting a large number of fans. The regular season will resume next week after a break for the women's world championships. The playoffs are scheduled to begin in early May.