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PWHL Adds Las Vegas and Hamilton for 2026–27, Reaching 11 Teams

The expansion signals a push to 12 teams to secure bigger U.S. broadcast deals.

Overview

  • The league announced Wednesday that Las Vegas and Hamilton will join next season, bringing the PWHL to 11 teams with one more market expected to reach 12.
  • PWHL Las Vegas will play at T-Mobile Arena with green and gold colors, while PWHL Hamilton will skate at TD Coliseum in gold, maroon, and cream.
  • Roster building will not use a traditional expansion draft, with a PWHLPA memo outlining multi-window player signings that could start May 28 and allow current teams to protect up to three players.
  • All teams remain owned by The Walter Group under the league’s single-entity model, with local partners including the Golden Knights and MGM at T-Mobile Arena and Oak View Group at TD Coliseum.
  • Hamilton’s selection followed a 16,012-fan Takeover Tour game and deep local player roots, while Las Vegas was chosen for rapid youth hockey growth and major-league infrastructure, moves that also improve geographic balance and travel.