Vancouver is officially welcoming a new chapter in women’s professional hockey as the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) announced on April 23, 2025, that the city will host its first expansion franchise. The new team, which will be known as PWHL Vancouver until a permanent name is established, is set to debut in the 2025-26 season, marking an exciting milestone for the league and its fans.
The announcement was made during a press conference held on a picturesque rooftop in downtown Vancouver, attended by league executives and local dignitaries. The Vancouver Angels U11 girls hockey team participated in the event, adding a touch of community spirit to the occasion. "Back in January, my teammates and I went to the very first PWHL Takeover Tour game," said nine-year-old Sidney Mildon. "It was the coolest day ever. We saw six goals, danced in the stands, waved our signs, and cheered so loud for the players. It felt like anything was possible. Today, we are so excited. Because right here in Vancouver, we got a team!"
PWHL Vancouver will play its home games at the Pacific Coliseum, a historic venue that previously hosted the NHL’s Vancouver Canucks and the WHL’s Vancouver Giants. The nearby Agrodome will serve as the team’s practice facility. Both arenas are set to undergo significant renovations, including upgrades to locker rooms, training facilities, and broadcast capabilities to enhance the game-day experience for fans and players alike.
Amy Scheer, the PWHL’s executive vice president of business operations, expressed her enthusiasm for the expansion, stating, "This is a historic day for our league, our fans, our athletes, and our sport. Vancouver is a vibrant city with a deep love for the game — as we saw firsthand during the PWHL Takeover Tour earlier this season. Expanding to Vancouver reflects the growing momentum behind the league and the incredible passion of our fanbase since launching in January 2024."
The decision to expand to Vancouver follows a successful Takeover Tour game held at Rogers Arena in January 2025, which drew a sold-out crowd of 19,038 fans. This event showcased the strong demand for women’s hockey in the region and confirmed Vancouver as an attractive destination for the PWHL. The league aims to build on this momentum and provide more fans with the opportunity to experience live games featuring some of the best women’s hockey players in the world.
The Vancouver franchise will be the seventh team in the PWHL, joining existing teams from Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Boston, Minnesota, and New York. The PWHL has quickly established a strong foothold in women’s hockey, with its inaugural season commencing in 2024 and already witnessing record-breaking attendance and impressive television ratings.
As for the team’s branding, while a name has not yet been confirmed, the league has revealed that PWHL Vancouver’s primary color will be Pacific Blue, complemented by a secondary color of cream. Merchandise for the unnamed team is already available online, with fans able to purchase hoodies for $85, sweaters for $110, and t-shirts for $50.
"We are honored to have worked with the PWHL to be chosen host venue for this expansion franchise," said Shelley Frost, president and CEO of the PNE, which operates the Pacific Coliseum and Agrodome. "This is a great day for women’s sport in Vancouver, and a great day for professional hockey at the PNE. We are thrilled to support driving professional women’s sport in this city and at the Pacific Coliseum, a beloved venue continuing to deliver memorable player and guest experiences."
The team’s roster will be filled through an expansion draft, with further details to be announced in the coming weeks. Additionally, PWHL Vancouver will participate in the league’s entry draft scheduled for June 24, 2025, in Ottawa. The league has indicated that it is also exploring the addition of a second team, potentially in Seattle, which would further enhance the rivalry and excitement surrounding women’s hockey in the Pacific Northwest.
As the PWHL continues to grow, it aims to foster grassroots development in the Vancouver community by hosting camps, clinics, and events to connect with local fans and encourage participation in the sport. The league recognizes the importance of nurturing talent and building a strong hockey culture in British Columbia, where there is a notable history of producing top-level players.
Executive vice president of hockey operations Jayna Hefford noted the vibrant hockey community in Vancouver, stating, "The grassroots development and growth is strong and healthy in this market, and that’s definitely one of the pillars we look at. If we can help even expedite that and add to that growth, that’ll be something that will be really special as well."
With the PWHL’s expansion to Vancouver, the league is not only increasing its footprint in Canada but also solidifying its commitment to building a sustainable and competitive environment for women’s hockey. The excitement surrounding the new franchise reflects the growing interest in women’s sports and the potential for further growth in the years to come.
As the 2024-25 PWHL season continues, with playoffs set to follow the regular season’s conclusion on May 3, 2025, fans are eager to see how the league will evolve with the addition of the Vancouver franchise and what this means for the future of women’s hockey in Canada.
