PWHL expansion has long been rumored throughout the 2025-26 campaign, with several cities being listed as potential contenders to earn a franchise. And with the recent addition of Vancouver and Seattle to what previously was a six team league, it's clear now that all eyes are focused on accelerating the future of professional women's hockey.
Just this weekend, the league's players association laid the foundation for a second expansion process, one that gives players more freedom than in the past. The assumption of a four-team expansion was also laid out, though an email to players noted that any expansion process is remaining flexible in relation to the number of teams that will be added to the league's roster.
And on Monday evening, it was announced that Illitch Sports and Entertainment - which operates the NHL's Detroit Red Wings and MLB's Detroit Tigers - would be hosting an announcement at Little Caesar's Arena on Wednesday. The expectation surrounding the news is that the announcement will confirm rumors that Detroit will be getting a PWHL franchise; The Hockey News reported that several girls hockey associations in the Detroit region were invited to the event.
Should the PWHL truly look to to add four more teams, that means three more cities will be on the radar for expansion.
But is Edmonton going to be part of that wave of cities being added?
According to the Ice Warriors Group, a media group that promotes women in hockey, that might not be the case. In a recent Instagram post, they stated that the league and OEG Inc. - which owns the NHL's Edmonton Oilers - could not agree on an expansion deal.
Of the Canadian markets intent on welcoming the PWHL, Halifax seems to be a leading contender. Not only did the league sellout their Takeover Tour stop at Scotiabank Centre, home of the QMJHL's Halifax Mooseheads and the NLL's Halifax Thunderbirds, but mayor Andy Fillmore advocated for the city's ability to host a future franchise.
Quebec City could also find itself hosting a team in the future. The Centre Vidéotron, home of the QMJHL's Quebec Remparts, sold out a Takeover Tour game back in 2025; well over 18,000 fans attended the game.
Of the remaining contenders on the Canadian side of the spectrum, Hamilton could be a dark horse selection by the league. Not only is the city located a short drive from Toronto, home of the Sceptres, but its TD Coliseum recently completed a multi-million dollar renovation that made the venue more accessible and appealing to outside interest. Besides a potential PWHL franchise, Hamilton is set to be the new home of the AHL's Bridgeport Islanders as they relocate to Steeltown ahead of the 2026-27 season.
The PWHL expansion process will kick off at the end of May when the free agency and protection windows open for existing teams. It is worth noting that players can also negotiate with expansion franchises where possible, but they cannot sign with such teams during the first phase of the expansion process.
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