The Professional Women’s Hockey League is set to announce Vancouver as its first expansion team, with plans for the new franchise to start playing in the 2025-26 season. The announcement is expected to be made next week during a news conference that will involve representatives from British Columbia, the city of Vancouver, and key stakeholders. The league's decision for expansion follows its successful inaugural season in 2024, which saw record attendance and television viewership. The Vancouver team's playing venue is yet to be confirmed, with the Pacific Coliseum being a potential location due to its seating capacity of over 15,000.
The PWHL received over 20 proposals from various cities interested in hosting a team, with Vancouver emerging as a top choice following a successful stop on the PWHL Takeover Tour that garnered significant fan support. The league is owned by Mark Walter, owner of the MLB’s Los Angeles Dodgers, and is currently exploring the addition of up to two new franchises, with the possibility of another team being located near Vancouver for logistical reasons. The PWHL's expansion to Vancouver signifies a strategic move to broaden its reach and capitalize on the growing interest in women's hockey.