The PWHL's two newest franchises in Seattle and Vancouver will begin stocking their rosters early next month through an exclusive free agency period followed by an expansion draft.

Seattle erupted in celebration as it was officially named the eighth franchise in the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL). Just days earlier, on April 23, Vancouver had been announced as the league’s seventh team.

The six existing teams, including the Boston Fleet, will each lose four players during the two-phase process beginning with a signing period spanning June 4-8, followed by an expansion draft June 9.