We had the Original Six. Now the PWHL is up to the Ensuing Eight.
Last week the league expanded to Vancouver, and this week, the PWHL has announced they’ll be adding an eighth team in Seattle, Washington in time for the 2025-26 season. The new Seattle team will share Climate Pledge Arena with the NHL’s Seattle Kraken. They’ll practice at the Kraken Community Iceplex.
The PWHL announced the team’s primary colour will be emerald green, with a cream secondary colour. Seattle showed well at the PWHL Takeover Tour this year drawing 12,608 fans to their game. They also met many of the other criteria the league set forth, including forming a natural geographic rival with Ottawa on the west coast.
“The decision to expand to Seattle follows an extensive Request for Proposal (RFP) process and reflects the initial stages of the league’s long-term vision for strategic growth,” the PWHL wrote in a press release. “Seattle’s bid was led by Oak View Group, the developers and operators of Climate Pledge Arena, alongside the Seattle Kraken.”
“Seattle emerged as a natural fit for PWHL expansion for several reasons, including its best-in-class facilities, a growing youth hockey community, and passionate women’s sports fanbase,” the release continued. “The city delivered an enthusiastic response to the launch of the PWHL Takeover Tour, drawing a crowd of 12,608 at Climate Pledge Arena on January 5. Growing its presence in the Pacific Northwest not only broadens the league’s national reach, but also strengthens regional rivalries, with Seattle’s proximity to Vancouver creating natural competitive energy.”
The PWHL has much work to do prior to the 2025-26 season with two expansion teams needing staff and rosters. To begin the roster building process, the PWHL stated they will soon be releasing plans for an expansion draft.
Seattle’s women’s hockey history spans back to 1917 when the Seattle Hockeyettes formed. The city has seen a number of women’s teams including the Seattle Vamps.
