Here's What You Need to Know About San Jose's New Women's Hockey Team

Herop image credit: Michael Vi / Shutterstock.com

Women's professional hockey is coming to San Jose, and the city couldn't be a better fit. From a decades-deep hockey culture to a fan base that's already proven it shows up for women's sports. This isn't just an expansion announcement, it's the beginning of something real. 

Meet the PWHL — The League That's Been Breaking Records Since Day One  

The Professional Women's Hockey League launched on January 1, 2024, and hit the ground running. In its very first season, the league broke the all-time worldwide attendance record for a women's hockey game. It was named Sports Breakthrough of the Year by Sports Business Journal. Not bad for a brand-new league.  

It's now in its third season with eight teams across the U.S. and Canada. San Jose joins Detroit, Hamilton, and Las Vegas as the four newest additions, bringing the league to 12 teams total for the 2026-27 season.  

The Sharks Are Running the Show — Here's Who's Behind the Team  

The expansion bid was led by Sharks Sports & Entertainment, the organization behind the NHL's San Jose Sharks. Their president, Jonathan Becher, has been vocal about his excitement, pointing out that San Jose now has three professional hockey teams calling the city home.  

The PWHL doesn't work like most leagues, though. Every franchise is owned by the league itself, privately financed by LA Dodgers owner Mark Walter and his wife, Kimbra.  

SS&E helped bring the team here, but the PWHL runs the show.  

Bold Colors, No Name Yet: Here's What the Team Looks Like So Far  

PWHL San Jose already has its colors: a bold orange, blue, and white palette inspired by the San Jose city flag. Orange is a nod to the Sharks and California's orange groves, blue to the coast and open sky.  

The nickname is still under wraps. If the Seattle and Vancouver expansion timeline is anything to go by, fans should expect an announcement closer to November, just ahead of opening night.  

Mark Your Calendar: When, Where, and How to Get Tickets  

The team plays at SAP Center, right in downtown San Jose. It's a well-known arena, easy to reach by car, Caltrain, or light rail, with parking available nearby.  

The inaugural season tips off in fall 2026, with opening night expected sometime in late November.  

Tickets aren't on sale yet, but the PWHL is already taking priority deposits for season ticket access — first-come, first-served once packages are announced.