The PWHL will soon be providing fans with insight into the if, when, and where of expansion.
In a February 20 news conference, PWHL executive vice president of business operations Amy Scheer stated the league would have an update on expansion in 4-6 weeks. The earliest part of that period is March 20, with the six week period ending April 3.
While the league remains tight lipped regarding expansion, it’s believe the league has narrowed their choices. A significant examination of western markets occurred this season, and could lead to the league’s first franchise or franchises in western North America.
Of those markets, Vancouver (19,038), Edmonton (17,518), Denver (14,018), and Seattle (12,608) all drew strong crowds.
In the east, Detroit recently set a new American attendance record of 14,288. Quebec City also saw a strong crowd, the fifth largest in PWHL history, with 18,259 fans in attendance.
The PWHL Takeover Tour this season has already brought in record crowds helping the league showcase the game to new markets, and test potential expansion. This season the only PWHL Takeover Tour stop to draw less than 10,000 fans was in Buffalo.
Rumours within the league point to an announcement closer to the 2025 World Championships. Some within the PWHL believe an announcement will come only following the conclusion of the PWHL Takeover Tour. The final stop on the 2025 tour is March 29 in St. Louis.
