With Vancouver and Seattle joining for Season 3, the PWHL will have 8 teams. League sources have hinted at two more expansion clubs by 2026-27, bringing the total to 10, but what if we think bigger… say 16 teams down the road?
Based on reports, interviews, and fan speculation, here are the most likely markets being discussed:
Potential Canadian Markets:
Potential U.S. Markets:
- Detroit
- Pittsburgh
- Chicago
- Washington, D.C.
- Philadelphia
- Denver
If the league hits 16 teams, a two-conference setup seems inevitable:
Possible Eastern Conference:
Boston, New York, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Quebec City, Pittsburgh, Washington/Philadelphia
Possible Western Conference:
Minnesota, Vancouver, Seattle, Detroit, Chicago, Denver, Calgary, maybe another U.S. team
Playoff Ideas:
- Option 1: Top 8 teams per conference (traditional NHL-style bracket)
- Option 2: Top 6 teams per conference, top 2 seeds get byes (shorter but more competitive)
Right now, we only know that the league plans 10 teams by 2026-27—but a 16-team PWHL feels like a real possibility if attendance, TV ratings, and sponsorship keep growing.
What do you think about my proposed plan?