Hamilton, San Jose set to enter PWHL, sources

The PWHL is in the process of finalizing its next two expansion cities, sources have told IW.

As IW reported early Thursday morning, Hamilton is next in line to receive a franchise. IW has now learned that San Jose will also be entering the PWHL with its own team, which would bring the League up to 11 clubs, once their deal is complete.

Work is still being done for the 12th franchise, with additional sources suggesting Las Vegas is a frontrunner.

On Wednesday, the PWHL introduced Detroit as the ninth franchise in League history, set to hit the ice next season.

IW has learned that Hamilton, Ontario, is set to join the PWHL and has been in the process of finalizing details this week.

Official announcements to introduce both Hamilton and San Jose is expected this month, with the PWHL’s expansion phase scheduled to begin May 28.

Quebec City, Denver, Calgary, Halifax, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Chicago, Washington, Los Angeles, San Diego and Raleigh have all been rumoured to be under consideration for a franchise.

Edmonton was also under consideration for a new team, but as IW reported earlier this week, they are out of the running for this round of expansion.

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Hamilton’s team will play out of the newly renovated TD Coliseum, which is also home to the city’s new AHL team that relocated from Bridgeport, Connecticut and will start the 2026-27 season in Steeltown. The organization will officially unveil the AHL team’s name and logo Thursday, May 21 at TD Coliseum.

Hamilton hosted a PWHL game on January 3, 2026, as part of the PWHL Takeover Tour, between the Toronto Sceptres and Seattle Torrent. More than 16,000 fans attended the first professional hockey game at TD Coliseum, witnessing the first road victory in Torrent history, beating the Sceptres 3-2 in a shootout.

While not yet confirmed, San Jose’s team is expected to play out of the SAP Center, home to the NHL’s San Jose Sharks.

In addition to Detroit, Hamilton, San Jose and the fourth expansion team, presumably Las Vegas, will enter the PWHL next season.

More news to follow...