PWHL sets up conferences and expands playoffs

By the Editorial Team · Saturday, October 3, 2026

The Professional Women’s Hockey League will expand to 12 teams across two conferences for the 2026-27 season, introducing a new playoff format that includes three rounds and opponent selection by conference leaders. This growth reflects the league’s increasing popularity and competitiveness, supported by expanded broadcasts, special events like an all-star game, and a longer regular season.

The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) announced significant changes to its structure and playoff format as it prepares for its upcoming season, which will run from December 5, 2026, to April 18, 2027. With the addition of four expansion teams, the league will feature 12 teams divided into two conferences, marking a notable step in its continued growth.

The Eastern Conference will comprise the Boston Fleet, PWHL Hamilton, Montreal Victoire, New York Sirens, Ottawa Charge, and Toronto Sceptres. The Western Conference will include PWHL Detroit, PWHL Las Vegas, Minnesota Frost, PWHL San Jose, Seattle Torrent, and Vancouver Goldeneyes. Names for the four expansion teams are expected to be revealed next month. Each club will compete in 30 regular-season games, playing 18 within their conference and 12 cross-conference matchups.

The playoffs will expand to include three rounds. The top four teams in each conference will qualify, with first-round series conducted in a best-of-three format. Conference finals and the league final, which awards the Walter Cup, will be contested in best-of-five series. For the first time, the two conference leaders will have the opportunity to select their first-round opponents from the third- or fourth-placed teams within their conferences.

PWHL executive vice-president of hockey operations Jayna Hefford stated that the expanded schedule and introduction of conferences reflect the league’s “monumental growth,” emphasizing that the new format is designed to intensify rivalries and increase competitive excitement throughout the season.

Players also expressed enthusiasm about the league’s development. New York Sirens forward Sarah Fillier, a 2022 Olympic gold medallist with Canada, described the current momentum around the league as a “perfect storm.” Vancouver Goldeneyes defender Caroline (KK) Harvey highlighted the growing fan support across markets and expressed optimism about the potential for continued expansion, calling the trend “so exciting” particularly for women’s hockey.

In addition to on-ice changes, the PWHL will expand its “Takeover Tour” from 16 to 24 games this season, with each team slated to participate in four of these special events. The league will also hold its first all-star game in Toronto in March 2027, with a scheduled one-week break in regular-season play to accommodate the event.

Broadcast plans include domestic coverage by TSN, Sportsnet, Prime Video, and CBC in Canada, with regional broadcasts for Montreal Victoire games on RDS, Radio-Canada’s ICI TÉLÉ, and ICI TOU.TV, as well as Prime Video. International viewers will have access to all 180 regular-season games via the PWHL’s YouTube channel and official website, except during domestic broadcasts.

This upcoming season marks the PWHL’s fourth, following three prior postseasons that featured a four-team, two-round format. The league’s expansion and structural updates underscore its ongoing commitment to growing the profile of professional women’s hockey.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.