Prime Highlights
- Professional Women’s Hockey League awarded an expansion franchise to San Jose for the 2026-27 season.
- The new team will become the league’s first franchise in California and third on the West Coast.
Key Facts
- Professional Women’s Hockey League has expanded to 12 teams since launching in 2024.
- The San Jose franchise will play home games at SAP Center, home arena of the San Jose Sharks.
Background
The Professional Women’s Hockey League has awarded an expansion franchise to San Jose as the league continues to grow women’s professional hockey across North America.
The new team will begin playing during the 2026-27 season and will host home games at SAP Center, home of the NHL’s San Jose Sharks. San Jose joins Detroit, Las Vegas and Hamilton as the league’s newest expansion markets.
League officials said the Bay Area was selected because of its strong support for women’s sports and its established hockey culture. The league also pointed to the success of local women’s teams, including the Golden State Valkyries and Bay FC, which have attracted large crowds and growing fan support.
PWHL executive Amy Scheer said the league plans to bring top-level women’s hockey talent to the Bay Area. She noted that the competition includes Olympic athletes and continues to attract international players.
The addition of San Jose makes it the league’s first California franchise and its third team on the West Coast. Officials said fans can already place deposits for season tickets, although the full schedule has not yet been released.
Matt Mahan said the expansion strengthens San Jose’s growing reputation as a leading destination for women’s sports. Olympic gold medalist Kristi Yamaguchi added that professional women’s teams can inspire young girls to pursue sports at a higher level.
