Detroit is set to welcome a new women’s professional hockey team, PWHL Detroit, for the 2026-27 season. This addition marks an exciting expansion for the Premier Hockey Federation League (PWHL), which is opening up to potentially three more teams in the near future.
PWHL Detroit will compete at Little Caesars Arena, the same venue as the NHL’s Detroit Red Wings and NBA’s Detroit Pistons. This location is ideal, given Detroit’s rich hockey heritage and enthusiastic fan base. The PWHL’s executive vice president, Amy Scheer, emphasizes that bringing women’s hockey to this city feels right. “Hockeytown needs women’s hockey,” she stated.
The ownership structure of PWHL is unique. Instead of individual team owners, the league operates under a single-entity model. Mark Walter, who owns the Los Angeles Dodgers, controls the league and its teams. Ilitch Sports and Entertainment, which owns the Red Wings and Tigers, is partnering with the PWHL but not as a franchise owner.
Ryan Gustafson, the president of Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, mentions how the community has long expressed a desire for women’s hockey in Detroit. The PWHL has already seen success in the city, hosting four neutral-site games with over 53,000 fans attending in three years. Their most recent game drew nearly 16,000 fans, a promising sign for the upcoming franchise.
The PWHL chose Detroit for its expansion based on criteria like market size and community support. Jayna Hefford, the league’s hockey operations head, noted that the city boasts a strong girls’ hockey program, with local teams like Little Caesars and Honey Baked already competing at high levels.
Excitingly, Detroit will also host the PWHL Draft and Awards later in June, further showcasing the city’s commitment to fostering women’s sports. Hefford hopes these events will build up excitement for the new team.
As for the team colors, PWHL Detroit will feature black, silver, and a nod to the Red Wings with red accents. The team plans to announce its official name and logo in the future.
Looking ahead, the PWHL aims to create a strong fan experience in Detroit, promoting women’s hockey to younger generations. The community seems ready, and the league is excited to embed itself in a city that loves the sport.
In a playful nod to the league’s growth, fans are already buzzing about potential rivalries and the exciting atmosphere expected at games. The PWHL’s expansion into Detroit represents not just increased opportunities in women’s sports but also a celebration of community and tradition.
For more details, check out the official PWHL announcement.
Source link
Detroit Red Wings, NHL, Sports Business, Women's Hockey
