The Professional Women’s Hockey League’s expansion to Las Vegas, announced Wednesday at T-Mobile Arena, traces its origin to a LinkedIn message sent a year ago by a Golden Knights executive.
Sheri Hudspeth, director of youth hockey programs and fan engagement for the Golden Knights, reached out to PWHL executive vice president of business operations Amy Sheer through the professional networking platform to propose a neutral-site Takeover game in Las Vegas. Though that game never happened, the conversation sparked the process that led to the league awarding an expansion team to Southern Nevada.
“We had some initial conversations and then started again several months ago with John (Penhollow), so it happened fast,” Sheer said. “I think we both wanted to make it happen, and here we are.”
The as-yet-unnamed team will begin play in the 2026-27 season, with home games at T-Mobile Arena. Select games could shift to Lee’s Family Forum in Henderson if scheduling conflicts arise with the Golden Knights or concerts, said John Penhollow, president of business operations for the Golden Knights.
“The intention is to play the games here; we’re going to potentially have some scheduling conflicts given that we have an NHL team here and a number of concerts,” Penhollow said. “But the beauty is we have Lee’s Family Forum available when we need it. So we’re excited about that. Great for Henderson as well we can play a couple of games there.”
The team’s headquarters will be at America First Center in Henderson, where the AHL’s Silver Knights currently train. Renovations are needed to add a dedicated locker room, laundry, gym, and dining area — similar to what was done for the Silver Knights.
“What their requests are, are exactly what we had to do for the Silver Knights,” Penhollow said. “The hope is that we get it all done before the start of the regular season.”
The expansion roster process begins May 28 with the entry draft on June 17 in Detroit, followed by free agency. Training camp starts in mid-November. The team’s identity will be revealed before the season, with fan input, though no timeline has been set.
Sheer described the announcement as emotional, reflecting the league’s rapid growth to 11 teams with the additions of Las Vegas, Detroit, and Hamilton, Ontario. “We’re proud of how far we’ve come so fast and now to be able to make Las Vegas our next home in this beautiful building,” she said.
Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority president and CEO Steve Hill highlighted the marketing value, especially in Canada, which now has five PWHL franchises. “All of Canada watches all hockey, so an announcement like this keeps Vegas top of mind when the games start in the fall and when we have the draft,” Hill said. “All of these things are going to keep Vegas top of mind with all the hockey fans in Canada.”
