The PWHL has scheduled neutral-site matches in six different Canadian cities for the upcoming season, with plans to introduce new teams in the following season. The eight-team league will return to Quebec City and Edmonton for the second consecutive year, along with four additional Canadian cities on the league’s Takeover Tour. An impressive 123,000 fans attended games during last season’s nine-stop tour, leading to the selection of Vancouver and Seattle as expansion franchises for the upcoming season.
The league is set to play 16 neutral-site games across 11 locations in North America, potentially laying the groundwork for future PWHL expansion markets. According to Amy Scheer, the league’s executive vice president of business operations, the PWHL aims to expand by two to four teams in the next season, emphasizing a growth-oriented strategy.
Quebec City and Edmonton witnessed sold-out matches last season, showcasing strong local support for women’s hockey. Quebec City, in particular, is eager to host a PWHL team at the Videotron Centre, while Edmonton’s history with women’s hockey adds to the enthusiasm for a potential team in the city. Halifax and Calgary, among other cities, are also part of the league’s expansion plans, with Halifax set to host two games this season alongside Edmonton.
The Takeover Tour will extend beyond Canada to cities like Denver, Detroit, Chicago, Dallas, and Washington, D.C., reflecting the league’s growing popularity and fan engagement. PWHL games in Denver and Detroit have achieved record attendance in recent years, positioning them as strong contenders for future PWHL teams. The league’s commitment to expansion and community engagement underscores its ambition to further grow the tour in the upcoming seasons.
The full PWHL Takeover Tour schedule includes matchups in various cities, offering fans across North America the opportunity to witness high-level women’s hockey in their hometowns. The league’s expansion efforts and the positive reception from fans and cities alike highlight the bright future of women’s hockey within the PWHL.
