After continued speculation on where the 2-4 expansion franchises could end up in the Professional Women’s Hockey League, we got our answer on the second team as it was announced today that Las Vegas will become the home for the second expansion team.
PWHL Las Vegas will debut in the 2026-27 season with their home games being played at T-Mobile Arena.
PWHL’s Press Release
Las Vegas is one of the fastest-growing sports and entertainment destinations in North America and has proven its appetite to embrace both hockey and women’s sports at the highest level. The PWHL’s arrival in Las Vegas comes with support from the Vegas Golden Knights, whose established hockey infrastructure will help anchor the league’s newest market. Since the Golden Knights’ inaugural NHL season in 2017, youth hockey participation in Nevada has surged, particularly among girls and women with a 600% increase. Las Vegas has also established itself as one of the strongest fan bases for women’s sports, highlighted by the success of the WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces and continued investment in major sporting events across the market.
The PWHL’s expansion to Las Vegas also increases the league’s geographic diversity as its first team in the American Southwest, introducing professional women’s hockey to a new region of fans. Combined with the city’s accessibility, hospitality infrastructure, and world-class facilities, Las Vegas is a strong long-term fit for the PWHL. PWHL Las Vegas will train at America First Center in Henderson, Nevada. In addition to the Golden Knights, expansion efforts were also supported by MGM Resorts International, joint venture owner of T-Mobile Arena.
Today’s announcement also unveils PWHL Las Vegas’ official team colors, inspired by the natural tones of Southern Nevada: green and gold. While Las Vegas is known for The Strip, the area is beloved by the community for its natural surroundings. Green and golden yellow represent the beauty of the desert and mountains that encircle Las Vegas, while gold is a nod to the glamour of what makes Vegas, Vegas, and, of course, the Golden Knights.
Noteworthy Quotes
“From the staggering growth of youth hockey participation to the passionate support for the Golden Knights and Aces, the Las Vegas community has enthusiastically embraced both hockey and women’s sports. While professional women’s hockey may be new to the market, we know Las Vegas is ready to welcome and champion a PWHL team of its own,” said Amy Scheer, PWHL Executive Vice President, Business Operations. “This new team will be Las Vegas Valley-born and reflect the identity of its bold, welcoming, and resilient community, with athletes ready to put on a show and build a passionate following across the region. Thank you to the Golden Knights for helping lay the foundation for hockey in Las Vegas, and to MGM Resorts International for the warm welcome to the ice at T-Mobile Arena.”
“The arrival of the PWHL in Vegas is a milestone for women’s hockey and our entire community,” said John Penhollow,?Vegas Golden Knights President of Business Operations. “We’re proud of how far youth hockey has come locally, and even more excited about the path forward and opportunities ahead for future generations with the PWHL’s arrival in Las Vegas. Today’s PWHL announcement gives young girls throughout Nevada and our entire region another chance to dream bigger, pursue hockey at the highest level, and see themselves as future leaders in our community. Our game will be even stronger because of the PWHL’s presence in Henderson and Vegas.”
Fans can follow the team on Facebook PWHL Las Vegas, Instagram @PWHL_LasVegas, Twitter @PWHL_LasVegas, TikTok @PWHL_LasVegas, YouTube PWHL Las Vegas, Threads @PWHL_LasVegas, and Bluesky @PWHL-LasVegas.
Press Release and Quotes courtesy of PWHL PR.
TXHT may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through Fanatics and Oats Overnight ads/links in this article.