When does the third season of the PWHL begin?

The PWHL's third season officially begins on Friday, November 21, 2025.

Which new teams have joined the PWHL for the 2025-26 season?

Seattle and Vancouver are the two new expansion franchises joining the PWHL for its third season.

Will the PWHL pause for the 2026 Olympics?

Yes, the PWHL will have a nearly month-long break from January 29 to February 25, 2026, to accommodate the Milan-Cortina Olympics.

Home / Sports / PWHL Expands: Seattle, Vancouver Join League's 3rd Season

PWHL Expands: Seattle, Vancouver Join League's 3rd Season

21 Nov

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Summary

The PWHL now features eight teams with expansion to Seattle and Vancouver.
New expansion rules aimed to make new teams competitive from day one.
Season 3 includes a lengthy break for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics.

PWHL Expands: Seattle, Vancouver Join League's 3rd Season

The Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) is launching its third season with an expanded league of eight franchises, including newly added teams in Seattle and Vancouver. These expansion teams, the Seattle Torrent and Vancouver Goldeneyes, were strategically built with generous rules to ensure immediate competitiveness. The league's third season officially commenced with opening games on Friday, featuring established teams and the inaugural matchups for the new franchises.

The expansion involved existing teams protecting only three players, leading to a significant movement of skilled talent. Seattle acquired stars like Hilary Knight and Alex Carpenter, while Vancouver bolstered its roster with elite defenders and forwards. Both new franchises will play in renovated arenas, with the Torrent at Climate Pledge Arena and the Goldeneyes at the Pacific Coliseum.