PWHL Expands to Seattle, Strengthening Women's Hockey in the Pacific Northwest

2025-04-30 general

Seattle, Wednesday, 30 April 2025.
The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) is expanding to Seattle for the 2025-26 season, marking a significant milestone supported by the Seattle Kraken with potential economic benefits for the region.

Seattle’s Entry Reinforcing PWHL’s Growth

The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) is making strides by expanding to Seattle, marking its eighth franchise. This development comes as part of the league’s strategic growth, joining Vancouver as the league’s two new teams for the 2025-26 season [1][2]. The expansion is underscored by the desire to enhance the visibility of women’s hockey and expand its reach across North America [3].

Economic Impact and Fan Engagement

The new Seattle team, backed by the Seattle Kraken and the Oak View Group, represents not only an athletic milestone but also promises potential economic benefits for the region. As the team will play its games at the NHL Kraken’s Climate Pledge Arena, the venue’s proven capacity to draw large crowds is expected to boost local businesses and increase fan engagement [1][4]. Selling premium season ticket deposits in Vancouver shortly after their announcement indicates a strong market presence and excitement in the Pacific Northwest, suggesting similar outcomes for Seattle [5].

Strategic and Economic Considerations

From a strategic perspective, Seattle was a natural choice for this PWHL expansion due to its exceptional facilities and a passionate fanbase that recently set attendance records during the PWHL Takeover Tour. The PWHL’s choice of Seattle aligns with the league’s focus on market size, facility access, and economic opportunities, indicating a well-calculated move to solidify its presence in key markets [1][6].

Future Prospects and Developments

Looking ahead, the PWHL aims to further expand its franchise count to ten teams by the 2026-27 season, building on this recent decision to incorporate Seattle and Vancouver. Official announcements regarding expansion drafts and integration plans for these new teams are expected in the coming months, setting the stage for enhanced competition and broader player recruitment, especially from Europe [1][2].

Sources

PWHL Seattle expansion