Overview
- The PWHL awarded San Jose a franchise on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, finishing a four‑team expansion this month that doubles the league to 12 clubs for the 2026–27 season.
- The new team will play at the SAP Center and train at Sharks Ice under a bid led by Sharks Sports & Entertainment and the City of San Jose, with official colors set as orange, blue and white.
- League and local officials report season‑ticket deposits exceeded expectations immediately after the announcement, signaling strong early fan demand in a market the PWHL cites for high girls’ hockey participation and existing women's‑sports support.
- The PWHL will not hold a traditional expansion draft and instead will use a multi‑window roster process that allows existing teams to protect up to three players, with the league’s entry draft set for June 17 and the 2026–27 season expected to start in November.
- The expansion keeps the single‑entity ownership model run by The Walter Group, a move the league says will improve geographic balance, reduce travel strain on West Coast matchups, and help win larger media and commercial deals that could raise pay and stability for players.