PWHL Expansion to San Jose
Key Questions
When will the San Jose PWHL team begin playing?
The team is scheduled to start play in November 2026 at the SAP Center. This expansion marks the first PWHL franchise in California and the league's fourth expansion team, bringing the total to 12.
What colors has the new San Jose team announced?
The franchise will use orange, blue, and white as its official colors. These were revealed during the May 19 announcement press conference in San Jose.
How does the San Jose expansion connect to local NHL teams?
The new team has ties to the San Jose Sharks and aims to build on growing girls' participation in hockey. It fits into the broader momentum of women's professional sports in the Bay Area alongside the Valkyries and Bay FC.
Where will the PWHL San Jose team play its home games?
Home games will be hosted at the SAP Center beginning in November 2026. The venue is located in the South Bay and supports the league's expansion into the region.
What is the significance of this expansion for Bay Area sports?
It strengthens the area's profile in women's professional sports by adding the first California PWHL franchise. The move aligns with recent growth in local teams and increased interest in women's hockey.
Professional women's hockey league adds San Jose team at SAP Center starting Nov 2026 with orange/blue/white colors. Ties to Sharks and rising girls' participation; aligns with Bay Area women's sports momentum (Valkyries, Bay FC). First CA franchise confirmed.