As impressive as the PWHL’s growth has been less than two years since its launch, with the league blowing past initial attendance and revenue projections, and already into its first phase of expansion, Stan Kasten says you’ve seen nothing yet.

The league’s advisory board member laid out an ambitious vision of the PWHL’s future in a phone interview with The Associated Press on Thursday.

Kasten foresees further expansion — beyond the recent additions of Vancouver and Seattle to grow the PWHL to eight teams — within the next few years; the league capitalizing on the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics to broaden its reach internationally; and the prospect of turning a profit by 2031, when the league’s current CBA with its players expires.

“By every measure, we’re ahead of where we thought we would be. And we never thought we were going to be this niche six-team league in the northeast of North America,” Kasten said.

“Our manifest destiny is a lot more than six. It’s a lot more than eight. I don’t know how many,” he added.

Expansion plans

Without making a firm commitment, Kasten said there was enough interest from major markets that missed out on expansion this year to add even more teams by 2026-27. He said the league will have a better timeline on the next expansion phase based on how smoothly Vancouver and Seattle are incorporated.

Eye on Europe

What’s clearer is the league turning its focus toward Europe to coincide with the Olympics, and a women’s hockey tournament predominantly featuring PWHL talent.

Kasten said there have been discussions about playing exhibition games in Europe within the next two years.

“Europe is a big part of our future,” Kasten said.

“I think our presence on the international stage next year is going to be really well-timed, a propitious step for us,” he added.