This marks a crucial milestone as PWHL Seattle and PWHL Vancouver gear up for their debut in the 2025-26 season.

Each of the six initial teams in the league was given the chance to protect three players from being picked in the Exclusive Signing Window and the Expansion Draft. However, once a team has forfeited two players, either through exclusive signings or the draft, they are allowed to shield one additional player, thus extending their protected list to four.

The selection process is set to enable Seattle and Vancouver to draw a total of four players from each of the six existing team rosters of the 2024-25 season. This includes those signed during the Exclusive Signing Window as well as those picked during the Expansion Draft.

Starting with a five-day Exclusive Signing Window, the expansion teams can sign a maximum of five players. No minimum number of players needs to be signed during this period. This window provides an opportunity to sign any unprotected players or those with expiring contracts.

Subsequently, the Expansion Draft will follow, wherein Seattle and Vancouver will each select a minimum of seven players until both teams have formed a roster comprising 12 players each. If any disparities arise, with one team having fewer signed players than the other, additional selections will be granted to even out the rosters. Unprotected players either under contract for the 2025-26 season or whose playing rights are secured through the 2025-26 season are eligible for selection.

The selection order for the Expansion Draft will be established at the beginning of the draft process. Fans keen on supporting PWHL Seattle and PWHL Vancouver can place deposits for priority access to season tickets for the inaugural seasons. Further updates and news are available through the teams' newsletters.