The PWHL is splitting its 12 teams into two conferences and expanding its playoff format from four to eight clubs, the league announced Friday.
The Eastern Conference will consist of the Boston Fleet, Montreal Victoire, New York Sirens, Ottawa Charge, Toronto Sceptres, and the expansion Hamilton franchise.
The Western Conference will feature the Minnesota Frost, Seattle Torrent, Vancouver Goldeneyes, and expansion teams in Detroit, Las Vegas, and San Jose.
With the league expanding from eight to 12 teams this season, the top four clubs in each conference will make the playoffs. The first round will be a best-of-three series, followed by best-of-five series for the conference finals and the Walter Cup Final.
Each conference's top seed will get to choose its first-round opponent from the third and fourth seeds.
Previously, the top four teams league-wide made the playoffs, and the first-place regular-season club chose its semifinal opponent. The semis and final were also best-of-five series. Last season, the PWHL's playoff format didn't change when the league expanded from six to eight teams.
"The introduction of conferences and an expanded playoff format will deepen rivalries and fuel the competitiveness that makes PWHL action so exciting from the very first puck drop until the Walter Cup is raised," Jayna Hefford, PWHL executive vice president of hockey operations, said.
The PWHL's regular season remains at 30 games, with teams playing 18 in-conference contests and 12 against the other conference.
The 2026-27 PWHL campaign begins Dec. 5 when the Seattle Torrent face the Vancouver Goldeneyes.
