Here’s the latest on the PWHL Takeover Tour based on recent reporting.
- The Takeover Tour continues to be a vehicle for expansion updates, with organizers confirming plans to extend or repeat the tour in future seasons and to grow the footprint beyond current markets [source coverage from Sportsnet and The GIST articles discussing expansion and tour momentum]. The core idea remains to test markets, drive fan engagement, and inform franchise decisions ahead of 2026-27 expansions.[1][2]
- Expansion signals remain positive but measured. Reports indicate the league is eyeing 2–4 new franchises for the 2026-27 season, and the tour serves as one of several inputs in that decision-making process, alongside arena readiness and local market enthusiasm. Cities tested so far include both existing markets and ambitious new markets, with multiple stops planned across NHL venues to maximize exposure.[2][5][1]
- Recent events and media show strong fan interest in Takeover Tour games in key markets (e.g., Detroit, Vancouver, Halifax), with coverage highlighting record or near-record attendance in some stops and attention from sponsors. This trend supports continued market-testing as teams consider where to place new franchises.[3][6][8]
Illustration: A Takeover Tour stop typically features a neutral-site game at a major arena, possible back-to-back or double-headers in markets, and side events designed to showcase local talent and attract sponsors. This approach helps the league gauge venue fit, regional interest, and potential ownership commitments in prospective markets.
Would you like a concise map of upcoming tour stops and the markets most frequently discussed for potential expansions, with sources wired to each city? I can assemble a quick snapshot with dates, venues, and current expansion chatter.
Sources
"We'll definitely look to bring the Takeover Tour back next year," Scheer said. "I would say that we'll do no less than what we've done this year. Still determining what the final number would be, but I don't think we'll be less than we did this year." There are no plans yet to take the Takeover Tour outside North America. … "The main purpose is building an audience," Scheer said. "It's the ability for our fans outside of our markets to be able to experience it live, but also to bring new fans...
www.sportsnet.caMore than 8,500 fans watched the New York Sirens defeat the Seattle Torrent on Dec. 28.
www.usahockey.comThe PWHL Takeover Tour is back in Detroit for a second time this 2025-26 season. The New York Sirens and Montréal Victoire will face off at Little Caesars Arena.
www.cbsnews.comLast week, the PWHL announced the return of the Takeover Tour — which brings PWHL games to other markets — for a third season. And the next edition is bigger and better: The league will host 16 neutral-site games and visit seven new cities while returning to multiple stops from last year.
www.thegistsports.comThe PWHL is in a stage of rapid expansion, giving cities more opportunities to prove they deserve to be part of the growth of professional women's hockey. Not every city's living up to the task.
thehockeynews.comDetroit ignites with elite women's hockey as the PWHL Takeover Tour hits Little Caesars Arena, showcasing Vancouver's debut.
thehockeynews.com