PWHL Expanded Teams and Playoff Format
The league has grown to 12 teams and established a new two-conference structure for the 2026-2027 season.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Hockey
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The PWHL has officially expanded from six to 12 teams, splitting the league into two six-team conferences. This restructuring includes a new playoff format where eight teams will compete for the Walter Cup.
Why it matters
These changes were implemented to deepen regional rivalries and increase the overall competitiveness of the league. Expanding the playoff bracket aims to heighten the stakes for teams across both conferences throughout the season.
The league now features 12 teams split into two conferences, with eight squads qualifying for the post-season. The updated 180-game schedule also includes 24 Takeover Tour games for the 2026-2027 season.
The players
PWHL
The Professional Women's Hockey League is an elite international hockey organization that has grown significantly since its inception.
The details
The Eastern Conference consists of Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, New York, Boston, and Hamilton, while the Western Conference includes Minnesota, Seattle, Vancouver, San Jose, Las Vegas, and Detroit. The new post-season bracket features a first-round best-of-three series, followed by best-of-five conference and Walter Cup finals.
Timeline
The 2026-2027 Takeover Tour season runs throughout the year.
The Toronto season opener is scheduled for December 6, 2026.
The PWHL All-Star game will take place in Toronto on March 7, 2027.
Season Trajectory
This expansion marks a departure from the original six-team PWHL structure established at the league's inception. By doubling the number of teams, the league has fundamentally altered the path to the Walter Cup and changed the competitive balance for all participating markets.
First-place teams now hold the tactical advantage of selecting their first-round opponent from the third- or fourth-place seeds in their respective conferences. This structure forces high-ranking teams to make strategic decisions that will define their post-season paths.
The takeaway
The league expansion signals a major growth phase that prioritizes geographic reach and increased playoff intensity. Fans can expect more frequent matchups and a significantly larger pool of talent distributed across the two new conferences.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments across the league at Hockey.
Live Poll
Do you plan to attend more games now that the league has expanded its playoff format?
