One of the first questions fans are asking this season, is when and where will the PWHL expand. THN's Ian Kennedy tries to answer. When Jayna Hefford and Stan Kasten address the media, one of the common phrases you'll hear is their recognition that not even a full season into the PWHL's existence, fans are already begging for expansion. NOT SO FAST For a league that has still yet to create nicknames and logos for the six existing teams, has yet to play a 30 game season (this year will be 24), and the league is still trying to assess current venues, let alone pick new ones in new markets. The league has said they might never lock down a single venue for each team, and could potentially continue to hop between places like Verdun and Place Bell for Montreal. Considering the league is currently still devising rules for their playoffs, draft, free agency, and more, it's inconceivable to ask for expansion for next season. The league has already announced a seven round, 42 player draft, so we know that equals six teams with seven picks each, case closed. SO WHEN? It would not be surprising to see the league wait two more seasons. Diluting the talent pool at all would be a mistake. A new team could certainly be formed from this coming draft from the NCAA and European talent available that would challenge immediately for a title. That said, there also remains a line of players from each team's reserve pool and fourth line that could immediately be upgraded through this draft. While it will push more women out of the game, it will also again increase the product value and level of competition on the ice, which is the league's main focus. The year after however, when the fifth year of NCAA eligibility from COVID finally runs out, and all current European players who were contracted through 2024-2025 before the PWHL was announced see those deals expire, and we could be in a whole new ball game. That said, it's more likely the league waits until the initial 36 three-year guaranteed contracts expire. At that point players will be able to freely move to those expansion teams to evenly disperse the talent and make the new teams instantly competitive. As well, the backlog of players biding their time in Europe or on reserve rosters will be overflowing. While it could be after year two, the better bet is to see it announced following year two, with a year for those markets to finalize staffs, plan, begin recruiting free agents, finalize branding, and secure sponsors. AND WHERE WILL THEY GO? PWHL board member Stan Kasten said we can expect more neutral site games and NHL venue games next season. It would not be inconceivable to see the league use the extra six games each team will play to test other markets and venues. With more games to work with in the schedule, it will allow the PWHL to build their current home fan bases, while also test and grow outside markets. Obviously Detroit and Pittsburgh will be high on the list as identified this year, but we shouldn't count out other American markets like Chicago, Washington, Buffalo, Philadelphia, Columbus and anywhere in Wisconsin as possible locations. Seattle would be ideal, but that involves logistics the league may not be ready to dip into....unless, they also add Vancouver simultaneously. This is where market testing will come into focus next year. It's highly likely the league goes West for out of market games next year in Seattle and Vancouver, sending a pair of teams for two games in the cities. Canada's support for the PWHL in Ottawa, Toronto, and Montreal has surpassed all expectations. Ottawa leads the league in average attendance, Montreal is third, and Toronto sold out every game, and would likely be challenging Ottawa if they had a bigger venue. Vancouver is the logical Canadian city, and Detroit would draw Canadians from Windsor to support a team. Without jumping across the entire country, Winnipeg and Quebec City, could serve as mid-size markets similar to Ottawa, and Calgary will certainly be considered, but the league could also look at other locations like Halifax, London, or a second team near Toronto, perhaps in Hamilton.
