PWHL hopes to add 2 expansion teams as soon as 2025-26
The PWHL is requesting proposals for prospective new teams as it looks to add two expansion franchises, vice president of business operations Amy Scheer announced Tuesday.
"Expansion is the first question we get asked, at every event we're at," Scheer told Sportico's Eben Novy-Williams. "It just seems like the right time to look into it. And I think once we have these conversations and understand what the real interest is, we'll understand if this is the right time or not. But it was the right time to put the word out."
The league is hopeful new clubs can start playing in the 2025-26 season. The PWHL is looking to receive proposals by the end of the year and decide in 2025.
Earlier this year, the Pittsburgh Penguins' front office expressed a desire to bring a PWHL team to the city.
Along with the expansion plans, Scheer announced the PWHL will play nine out-of-market games across North America this season to help promote the league. They're also hoping to play outdoor and European games in the future.
The PWHL launched as a six-team league in January 2024 with franchises in Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Boston, Minnesota, and New York.