PWHL expansion to Seattle gives Vancouver a league rival

The Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) has selected Seattle as its eighth franchise, which will commence play in the 2025-26 season. The new team will compete at Climate Pledge Arena, the home venue of the NHL's Seattle Kraken. This expansion follows the PWHL's earlier announcement of a team in Vancouver for the same season, marking a significant step for women's professional hockey on the West Coast. Executive vice-president Jayna Hefford highlighted that both cities showcased their independent strengths, such as market size and infrastructure, during the selection process. Seattle's team will join six existing franchises located in Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Boston, New York, and St.

Paul, Minnesota, to form an eight-team league. The PWHL aims to leverage the local women's sports culture, as evidenced by existing teams in the WNBA and NWSL. The league's expansion strategy is part of a longer-term vision to enhance its media presence and fan engagement. Hefford noted that the ownership group is committed to supporting this growth and fostering the next generation of hockey players.