Full Breakdown
PWHL Expands to San Jose, Adding a 12th Franchise for 2026-27
5/20/2026, 2:52:41 AM
Expansion Announcement
The PWHL announced on May 19, 2026 that San Jose, California will host its 12th franchise for the 2026-27 season. Home games will be at SAP Center, training at Sharks Ice, and the team will wear orange, blue and white, echoing the city flag.
Background
The league launched Jan 1, 2024 with six teams, added Vancouver and Seattle in 2025, then Detroit, Las Vegas and Hamilton in May 2026. San Jose is the California market and the third West-Coast franchise, improving Pacific-time scheduling.
Stakeholders
Amy Scheer (PWHL executive VP) announced the team, and Sharks Sports & Entertainment president Jonathan Becher secured support. Mayor Matt Mahan called the franchise a “major win” for women’s sports. John Poch (San Jose Sports Authority) highlighted the city’s history of hosting women’s events. All franchises are owned by The Walter Group (Mark and Kimbra Walter).
Timeline
- May 19, 2026 – Press conference at SAP Center announces franchise and colors.
- June 17, 2026 – PWHL Draft in Detroit incorporates the new teams.
- Late 2026 – Ticket packages released.
- Nov 2026 – Inaugural season begins.
Data & Statistics
The league now has 12 teams (7 U.S., 5 Canada) and a San Jose metro of ? 7.6 million residents; California ranks sixth nationally in girls’ hockey with 3,841 players. Sharks Ice, a six-sheet rink, is among the West’s largest. The $50 million expansion fee values the league at $850 million. The 2026 draft class includes 235 prospects, five U.S. Olympic gold medalists, and top prospect Caroline Harvey.
Impact
The Pacific-time team shortens travel, supports a two-conference format, and boosts appeal to national broadcasters. Local sponsors benefit from a thriving women’s-sports scene that includes Bay FC (NWSL) and the Golden State Valkyries (WNBA). The franchise offers a clear pathway for youth players.
Official Statements
Scheer praised San Jose’s strong hockey culture and the rapid growth of women’s sports. Becher described the city as a hockey hub with extensive ice-facility capacity. Mayor Mahan called the franchise a major win for Bay Area women’s sports. Poch noted the city’s history of hosting major women’s events. The Walter Group’s centralized ownership ensures league-wide financial stability.
Conflicting Reports
Sources disagree on roster building: some cite integration into the 2026 Draft, others a multi-stage protection process without a traditional expansion draft. The team’s nickname and conference alignment remain undecided.
Verbatim Quotes
- “San Jose offers a dynamic stage for the PWHL to expand its reach and build lasting momentum.” — Amy Scheer, PWHL Executive Vice President, Business Operations
- “From its humble beginnings with an NHL expansion team in 1991, San José is now truly a ‘hockey city.’ Boasting three professional hockey teams and Sharks Ice, a six-sheet public recreational ice facility, San José hosts one of the largest collections of boys, girls, and adult hockey players in the U.S.” — Jonathan Becher, President, Sharks Sports & Entertainment
- “San José is cementing its reputation as the premier destination for women’s sports in our region — and today’s announcement is another major win for our city,” — Mayor Matt Mahan
- “We are incredibly proud to welcome the PWHL to San Jose and the Bay Area as the league’s fourth expansion team to debut for the 2026-27 season,” — John Poch, Executive Director, San Jose Sports Authority
What’s Next
The league will finalize roster rules before the June 17 draft, reveal the team’s nickname and branding, and open ticket sales, while talks with Scripps Sports point to a national broadcast deal with ION’s 126-million-household reach. The 2026-27 season will test the league’s expanded footprint.
