The Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) is shaking up its expansion strategy, scrapping the traditional expansion draft as it prepares to welcome up to four new markets next season. This bold move signals a new era for the league, prioritizing player control and competitive balance in a rapidly growing sport.
According to a five-page memo distributed by the PWHL Players Association to its members last weekend—and obtained by the Associated Press—the league and union have collaboratively designed a five-phase expansion process. While still subject to change, the plan operates on the assumption that four new teams will join the fold for the upcoming season. The league has already announced Detroit as one of these markets, adding to the excitement.
Jayna Hefford, the PWHL's executive vice president of hockey operations, offered the league's first insights into the revamped rules. She emphasized that the new approach was crafted to address both organizational and player needs, learning from last year's expansion process. "There's two priorities that we're trying to match, which are competitive balance within the league, and player experience and ensuring they are happy with the process," Hefford explained.
The elimination of the expansion draft is a game-changer for players, who previously had no say if they were selected by incoming teams like Seattle or Vancouver. Under the new plan, existing teams can initially protect three players under contract, giving them more stability. Starting May 28, expansion teams will have the opportunity to reach out to prospective players, releasing a 20-player negotiating list and offering binding contracts to up to five individuals. This includes a marquee "franchise offer" of at least $100,000 per year, with the player choosing the length of the guaranteed deal—anywhere from one to four years.
After the initial expansion signing period, all teams can sign or protect three additional players. A two-day exclusive window will then allow expansion teams to fill their rosters up to 10 players, with existing eight teams losing no more than four each. The process culminates with the PWHL draft on June 17, setting the stage for an exciting new chapter in women's hockey.