Dominique DiDia has a clear goal for the PWHL’s Las Vegas expansion team: be competitive from day one.
“I want to have players on our team that want to win, and want to compete,” the general manager said Thursday over Zoom.
The timeline is tight. The league’s six-phase expansion roster process launched Thursday when existing teams submitted a Master Negotiation List of up to 10 players on expiring contracts they wish to protect. The preliminary negotiation window opens June 1, followed by the signing window June 2. The PWHL Draft is June 17, and free agency begins June 19.
Las Vegas enters the league alongside San Jose, Hamilton and Detroit for the 2026-27 season. It is the only expansion franchise yet to hire a head coach.
“Even though we’re on a tight timeline in these next couple weeks, we’re looking for the right coach to align with what we’re doing here,” DiDia said. She wants a coach who can make an immediate impact while also developing players at all levels.
DiDia previously served as head of CAA Sports’ women’s hockey division, a background she believes gives her unique insight. “It’s given me a great insight into the players’ perspective on being a player in this league,” she said. “We started CAA women’s hockey three years ago and from the first draft until now, working with great players has given me the perspective to see that and see the things we need to do on our side to be a great franchise.”
The Los Angeles native attended Tuesday’s Golden Knights game at T-Mobile Arena, where the PWHL team will play. She noted Las Vegas’ rapid sports growth since the Knights arrived nine seasons ago. “You walk down the Strip and you see a jersey of one of those teams, or a hat on every single person,” DiDia said. “It’s a small city compared to others, but a big city with great suburbs, a great family area where families, fans and everyone can come to games and enjoy it.”
