PWHL Awards Expansion Franchise to Las Vegas for 2026-27 Season

LAS VEGAS, NV — The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) officially crowned Las Vegas as its newest expansion market during a landmark press conference at T-Mobile Arena on Wednesday. The move solidifies the city’s status as a global hockey destination and marks the league’s first foray into the American Southwest.

The “Green and Gold” Era Begins

Las Vegas joins Hamilton, Ontario, and Detroit as the three confirmed members of the PWHL’s 2026–27 expansion class, bringing the league to 11 active franchises.

Home Ice: The yet-to-be-named team will play the majority of its home games at T-Mobile Arena, sharing the venue with the Vegas Golden Knights and the Las Vegas Aces.
Training Grounds: The team will utilize America First Center in Henderson as its primary practice facility and hub for business operations.
Identity: While a name and logo remain under wraps, the league confirmed the team will feature a green and gold color scheme, inspired by the natural landscapes of the surrounding Nevada mountains and the glamour of the Las Vegas Strip.

A Market Built on Growth

The decision to award a franchise to Las Vegas was driven by the “staggering” metrics of the local hockey community. Since the Vegas Golden Knights debuted in 2017, participation in girls’ and women’s hockey across Southern Nevada has surged by 600%.

“The Las Vegas community has enthusiastically embraced both hockey and women’s sports,” said Amy Scheer, PWHL Executive Vice President of Business Operations. “This new team will be Las Vegas Valley-born and reflect the identity of its bold, welcoming, and resilient community.”

The Road Ahead

The Las Vegas franchise will be operated by the Mark Walter Group, the league’s single-entity owner. A local leadership group, including a General Manager and coaching staff, is expected to be named later this summer, with the inaugural puck drop scheduled for the fall of 2026.

Source: [ThePWHL.com], [NHL.com/GoldenKnights], [Front Office Sports].