PWHL Poised for Expansion, New Teams Coming Soon

League president Stan Kasten says multiple cities are eager to host new PWHL franchises

Apr. 5, 2026 at 1:23am

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The Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) is nearing an expansion, according to league advisory board member and Los Angeles Dodgers president Stan Kasten. Kasten told reporters that the PWHL has seen rapid growth and success following the U.S. women's hockey team's gold medal win at the 2026 Winter Olympics, with multiple cities lining up to host new PWHL teams. The league recently set a new women's hockey attendance record at a sold-out game at Madison Square Garden between the New York Sirens and Seattle Torrent.

Why it matters

The PWHL's expansion plans signal a significant milestone for women's professional hockey in the United States. The league's growth and popularity indicate increasing interest and support for the sport, which could lead to greater visibility, investment, and opportunities for female athletes.

The details

The PWHL currently has eight teams, with Seattle and Vancouver being the league's first two expansion teams added in 2025. Kasten said the league is ready to add more franchises, with multiple cities eager to host PWHL teams, whether for a few games or a full-time presence. The league is governed by a board that includes sports icons Billie Jean King and Ilana Kloss, as well as Kasten and Royce Cohen.

  • The PWHL last expanded in April 2025, adding the Seattle Torrent.
  • The PWHL was originally launched on January 1, 2024.
  • On April 4, 2026, the PWHL set a new women's hockey attendance record with a sold-out game at Madison Square Garden between the New York Sirens and Seattle Torrent.

The players

Stan Kasten

Member of the PWHL Advisory Board and president of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Hilary Knight

Captain of the Seattle Torrent and the all-time leading scorer for the U.S. women's hockey team at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Caroline Harvey

Incoming PWHL player who is expected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 PWHL Draft, and a gold medalist and 2026 Patty Kazmaier winner.

Billie Jean King

Member of the PWHL's governing board.

Ilana Kloss

Member of the PWHL's governing board.

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What they’re saying

“We're ready to expand. There is a line of cities eager to have us there, whether it's for a couple takeover tour games or for a full time team. We're going to have news about that in the next few weeks.”

— Stan Kasten, PWHL Advisory Board member and president of the Los Angeles Dodgers

“This expansion that will happen with the new teams, [for] little girls, it's cool [for them] to hear that.”

— Caroline Harvey, Incoming PWHL player

“We really could not be prouder to play here tonight.”

— Stan Kasten, PWHL Advisory Board member and president of the Los Angeles Dodgers

What’s next

Kasten said there will be news regarding PWHL expansion expected in the next few weeks.

The takeaway

The PWHL's expansion plans demonstrate the growing popularity and support for women's professional hockey in the United States, which could lead to greater visibility, investment, and opportunities for female athletes in the sport.