San Jose awarded Professional Women's Hockey League expansion team
The Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) announced Tuesday that San Jose has been awarded a team as the growing league expands to 12 teams.
PWHL officials said the new team will begin play later this year, with home games at the SAP Center, which is also home of the NHL's San Jose Sharks. San Jose is among four expansion teams for the upcoming 2026-27 season, joining teams in Detroit, Las Vegas and Hamilton, Ontario.
Before 2024, the Bay Area had no major women's professional sports teams. Now it will have three. In a statement, the league noted several reasons in expanding to the Bay Area, including a "unique combination of established professional and youth hockey culture." The league also noted strong support for women's sports in the region, with the Golden State Valkyries basketball team and the Bay FC soccer team playing to record crowds.
Amy Scheer of the PWHL, said at a press conference Tuesday at the SAP Center that the league is bringing elite talent to the Bay Area.
"We are bringing you the highest level of hockey in the world," Scheer said. "We have over 60 Olympians taking the ice this season and there will be a bunch more next year. Each game is competitive and every shift matters."
San Jose will become the PWHL's 12th franchise, the league's first team in California and the third on the West Coast, joining teams in Seattle and Vancouver. The league has doubled in size since it began in 2024, with additional teams in Boston, Minnesota, Montreal, New York, Ottawa and Toronto.
The team is expected to begin play during the 2026-27 season at SAP Center. The schedule has not been announced, but the franchise said fans can now place deposits for season tickets.
Jonathan Becher, president of Sharks Sports and Entertainment, said women's hockey already had momentum nationally, but the success of local women's teams added to the excitement.
"Women's hockey is having its own moment around North America," Becher said. "Even if the Valkyries and Bay FC hadn't come to the Bay Area I think we were in line to get a team as well. But when you look at it and go they've both been successful and women's hockey is growing, it's icing to the cake."
The Golden State Valkyries have seen rapid growth since launching, reaching a reported $850 million valuation and becoming the highest-valued women's sports franchise globally.
Shaun Fletcher, an assistant professor of public relations at San Jose State University who has worked for professional sports franchises, said ownership groups are seeing a proven model for success.
"Ultimately, I do believe that the Valkyries and the Golden State Warriors leadership with Joe Lacob, they've laid out the blueprint," Fletcher said. "So it's not nearly as much of a risk when you have a large portfolio, that this is a part of, as opposed to striking out on your own."
Bay FC also helped demonstrate the Bay Area's appetite for women's professional sports after setting a National Women's Soccer League attendance record last year.
"San José is cementing its reputation as the premier destination for women's sports in our region — and today's announcement is another major win for our city," said Mayor Matt Mahan. "We're thrilled to welcome the Professional Women's Hockey League to San José and look forward to helping grow the game for fans and young athletes across our city."
Mahan added that the expansion reflects a broader national trend.
"This moment is not happening in a vacuum," Mahan said. "Across the country, women's sports are surging."
Olympic gold medalist Kristi Yamaguchi said girls seeing women compete professionally can expand their sense of what is possible.
Team officials have not announced a name for the franchise. During the press event, Mahan suggested "Hammerheads," and Sharks leadership said it remains a possibility. The team's colors will consist of orange, blue and white.
The team was awarded to San Jose following an expansion bid led by Sharks Sports & Entertainment, owners of the San Jose Sharks and San Jose Barracuda, along with the City of San Jose.
Fans at the SAP Center announcement celebrated the news with signs and cheers.
Hockey fan Silvia Jacobo said she became emotional hearing San Jose would land a team.
"I was about to cry," Jacobo said. "I was so excited that we're getting a team. I'm welling up right now. It's so emotional."
Young fan Eleni Yatman said the new team will inspire future athletes.
"It's going to inspire my friends, all the girls younger than me," Yatman said. "It's super amazing to have people to look up to."