Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

PWHL Expands with Vegas, Hamilton Franchises for 2026-27

5/15/2026

45 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

PWHL Expands

The Professional Women’s Hockey League added franchises in Las Vegas, Nevada, and Hamilton, Ontario, for the 2026-27 season.
Las Vegas will play at T-Mobile Arena and wear green and gold.
Hamilton will play at the renovated downtown TD Coliseum, which seats 16,400, and wear gold, maroon and cream.
A January Takeover Tour game in Hamilton drew 16,012 fans, with 70 % attending their first PWHL match.

Summary

Emma McLeod Inspires

Emma McLeod, 16-year-old Hawks defender, says the PWHL team gives local girls a role model.
The franchise will train in Ancaster while the AHL team will play in Waterdown.
A single-game AHL ticket costs about $30, keeping hockey affordable in Hamilton.
The league chose gold and maroon for Hamilton, tying maroon to “aged steel” and gold to Tiger-Cats and NHL Tigers.
Local PWHL players include Sarah Nurse, Megan Warrener and Kayla Vespa.

Summary

Mark Walter Secures

Mark Walter Group will own Las Vegas franchise and hire a GM and coaches this summer.
America First Center will add a locker room, laundry, and gym for Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) standards.
Steve Hill of Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority said it will draw fans and boost tourism.
Golden Knights conflicts could shift games to Lee’s Family Forum in Henderson.
Roster building starts May 28, followed by the draft June 17.

History

Historical Context

The Canadian Women’s Hockey League folded on May 1 2019 after 12 seasons, spurring over 200 players to create the Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association (PWHPA). The PWHPA’s 2022 partnership with Mark Walter and Billie Jean King bought the Premier Hockey Federation in 2023, and the Professional Women’s Hockey League began play in January 2024. Its 2026-27 expansion to Las Vegas and Hamilton continues the drive for a sustainable league.

1 of 4

PWHL Expands

The Professional Women’s Hockey League added franchises in Las Vegas, Nevada, and Hamilton, Ontario, for the 2026-27 season.
Las Vegas will play at T-Mobile Arena and wear green and gold.
Hamilton will play at the renovated downtown TD Coliseum, which seats 16,400, and wear gold, maroon and cream.
A January Takeover Tour game in Hamilton drew 16,012 fans, with 70 % attending their first PWHL match.

1 / 4