Sign in Subscribe
Businesswomen

PWHL Expansion: Seattle and Vancouver Set to Shake Up League Rosters

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) has officially kicked off its expansion process, with Seattle and Vancouver set to join the league for the 2023-24 season. As part of the expansion process, the two new teams will each sign a maximum of five players before a five-day signing window closes, followed by an expansion draft on June 9. The goal is to maintain competitive balance within the league, with over 50% of games already decided by one goal or in a shootout.

Key Takeaways:

  • The PWHL expansion process will see Seattle and Vancouver sign a maximum of five players each before the expansion draft.
  • The expansion draft will take place on June 9, with the two new teams selecting a minimum of seven players each.
  • The signing window will provide players with control over which team they sign with, rather than risking being chosen in the expansion draft.
  • Players whose contracts will expire before the 2025-26 season are not eligible for protection and may sign with the new teams during the signing window.
  • The PWHL aims to expand to 10 teams within the next four to six seasons.
  • The league has seen significant growth in attendance, viewership, and merchandise sales, with over 1.2 million fans attending games through the first two seasons.
  • The PWHL has partnerships with all eight current teams, and the league is considering expanding its fan base through partnerships with new teams.

Statistics:

  • Over 50% of PWHL games have been decided by one goal or in a shootout.
  • The PWHL has seen a 27% jump in attendance last season, with over 1.2 million fans attending games through the first two seasons.
  • League and team partnerships have increased by 50%, with social media impressions up by 68% and merchandise sales doubling.
  • Merchandise sales have doubled through the first two seasons of the PWHL's existence.
  • The PWHL's Takeover Tour drew 123,601 fans, with 40-80% of attendees being new audiences for the arenas.

Sources:

  • The Globe and Mail
  • PWHL official website (no citation provided in the original text)

Read more