The Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) is generating significant buzz as it embarks on its playoff season and looks toward expansion for the 2026-27 season. Game 1 of the Walter Cup Playoffs between Ottawa and Boston took place April 30, marking a significant milestone after a season of record growth. The league has seen impressive growth in its third regular season, surpassing one million attendees for the first time.
The PWHL's success extends beyond attendance figures. The league's partnership portfolio has grown by 35%, online merchandise sales have increased by 50%, and social media platforms have generated over 682 million impressions. This growth demonstrates the increasing popularity and engagement with women's hockey in North America. PWHL averaged 9,304 fans in attendance across 120 regular-season games.
Looking ahead, the PWHL is considering adding between two and four teams for the 2026-27 season. While no official announcements have been made, several Canadian cities are in contention, including Hamilton, which could become the league's first non-NHL market. Other Canadian cities in the mix include Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, and Quebec City. The league is also communicating with the PWHL Players' Association (PWHLPA) to discuss the expansion process. Uncertainty surrounding the expansion may be causing delays in player contract signings.
The PWHL's playoff format sees Montreal face Minnesota, while Boston plays Ottawa. As the playoffs unfold, fans are eager to see which teams will compete for the Walter Cup, while the league continues to build a strong foundation for the future of professional women's hockey.
