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The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) is exploring expansion from six to eight teams, potentially as early as the 2025-26 season.
For Emily Baxter, captain of Toronto Metropolitan University’s (TMU) women’s hockey team, the PWHL represents a dream she never thought possible as a child.
“I have two older brothers and always wanted to be like them,” said Baxter. “Little boys got to dream about being in the NHL one day. I didn’t get to have that, but my brothers did.
“Seeing the PWHL and the success it’s had is a big thing for me and my inner little girl. I get to look at myself now and dream of possibly developing to get there.”
Baxter’s teammates share her enthusiasm, particularly the younger players inspired by the league’s success.
“This is something they can try to reach, which helps drive us to develop ourselves individually and as a team,” Baxter said, adding that the PWHL motivates players on and off the ice.
Industry leaders have also praised the league’s proposed expansion.
Lindsay Pennal, executive director of the NHL Coaches’ Association, said she was “beyond thrilled” to see the PWHL thriving and gaining recognition.
“The success of the league so far is a huge milestone for women’s sports, and the proposed expansion is an exciting step forward for the future of the game,” said Pennal. “It’s inspiring to watch the sport grow and see more talented athletes getting the opportunities they deserve.”
Paul Krotz, the PWHL’s director of communications, acknowledged the excitement but said the process remains in its early stages.
“Since the process is only in the preliminary stages, there is no certainty that expansion will occur next season,” said Krotz.
Potential locations include Detroit, Pittsburgh, Washington, Philadelphia, Seattle and Denver in the U.S., as well as Quebec City and Calgary in Canada—regions with strong hockey traditions and growing fan bases.
Neutral-site games, including a January matchup in Quebec City, will help gauge interest in prospective markets. The league is also exploring outdoor games and international matches in Europe as part of its growth strategy.
The PWHL’s second season features an expanded 30-game schedule, along with updated team names and jerseys, fueling excitement for the league’s trajectory.
For athletes like Baxter, the expansion isn’t just about more games—it’s about creating new possibilities.
“More teams mean there will be a lot more players in the league, which opens up doors for more women in the professional hockey world,” she said.
Amy Scheer, PWHL’s senior vice-president of business operations, announced they began the process for expansion at the espnW Summit on Oct. 29.
Reporter, On The Record, Fall 2024.
