The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) is making waves by expanding to Detroit! Starting in the 2026-27 season, Detroit will host a new team at Little Caesars Arena, and Ally Financial will kick off this exciting venture as their first partner. The jerseys will proudly feature an Ally patch, highlighting this supportive collaboration.
Detroit is no stranger to women’s hockey; the city hosted the PWHL’s first neutral-site game in 2024, attracting 13,736 fans. Over the years, support has only increased, with a record-setting crowd of 15,938 at a game in March 2026. This constant enthusiasm shows that Detroit is ready for its own PWHL team.
The new team’s colors—black, silver, and accents of red—reflect Detroit’s rich industrial history and its proud sports legacy. The exact team name and logo will be revealed soon.
Detroit’s expansion plans are backed by Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, the group behind the Detroit Red Wings and Tigers. Their commitment to hockey spans generations, helping to develop young players through initiatives like the Little Caesars AAA Hockey Club, which has shaped many careers since 1968.
“It’s a significant milestone for women’s sports in Detroit,” said Amy Scheer, PWHL’s Executive Vice President. “The community’s support has been crucial since we began.”
Former Olympic star Jayna Hefford emphasized that Detroit has a robust youth hockey system, particularly for girls. This move can inspire young athletes by offering a professional stage to aim for.
Local leaders share the excitement. Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield highlighted the passion of Detroit’s fans, expressing confidence that the city will embrace the new team fully. Governor Gretchen Whitmer echoed this sentiment, seeing the new team as a catalyst for inspiring girls to pursue hockey.
Ally’s partnership signifies their dedication to women’s sports. They aim to continue investing equally in both women’s and men’s sports media, as noted by Andrea Brimmer, Ally’s Chief Marketing Officer.
PWHL currently includes eight markets: Boston, Minnesota, Montréal, New York, Ottawa, Seattle, Toronto, and Vancouver. With Detroit joining, the league is poised for even more growth.
For the sports community, this expansion isn’t just about hockey; it’s part of a larger vision to revitalize Detroit and engage the community. Fans are encouraged to stay connected for ticket information and team updates.
Looking ahead, Detroit is ready to make history in women’s hockey, adding to its legacy as a city that loves the game!
For more details, you can explore the PWHL website.
