Detroit is poised to embrace a significant new chapter in its rich sporting legacy, as the city has officially been granted an expansion franchise in the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL). This exciting development is slated to see the new team commence play in the 2026-27 season, marking a pivotal moment for women's hockey in a city renowned for its passion for the sport.
Detroit's New Era in Women's Hockey: A Detailed Look
On a momentous Wednesday, the Professional Women's Hockey League announced its decision to integrate Detroit as a new PWHL city, with the team's debut scheduled for the 2026-27 season. This strategic expansion could see up to three additional teams joining the current eight-team league before the next season officially begins, signaling a period of robust growth for the organization.
The selection of Detroit, affectionately known as 'Hockeytown', is deeply rooted in the strong relationship between the PWHL and the influential Ilitch family. This family, through Ilitch Companies, not only controls the NHL's Red Wings but also MLB's Tigers, integrating the new women's hockey team into a powerful local sports conglomerate. The Detroit PWHL team will proudly call Little Caesars Arena its home, sharing the same state-of-the-art facility as the Red Wings.
Chris Ilitch, President and CEO of Ilitch Companies, expressed profound enthusiasm for this new venture. He highlighted Detroit's historical importance in hockey and emphasized how this expansion aligns with a broader vision of leveraging sports for urban revitalization. The initiative is expected to foster community engagement, stimulate economic growth, and contribute significantly to the city's long-term development, while also inspiring future generations of female athletes.
Detroit's connection to the PWHL is not new; the city played host to the league's inaugural neutral-site game in 2024. Furthermore, Detroit has successfully hosted four PWHL games, notably setting a then-U.S. arena attendance record for women's hockey with 14,288 spectators on March 16, 2025. This record was later surpassed by another 'Takeover Tour' game at Little Caesars Arena on March 28, 2026, which drew an impressive crowd of 15,938.
Amy Scheer, PWHL Executive Vice President of Business Operations, acknowledged Detroit's consistent support, stating that the city and its fans have been instrumental in shaping the future of professional women's hockey. She commended Ilitch Sports + Entertainment for their unwavering partnership, which consistently demonstrated Detroit's readiness for its own team.
It is important to note that while the Ilitch family is deeply involved, they will not hold ownership of the Detroit club. All PWHL teams are centrally owned by Mark Walter and his wife, Kimbra. Walter is a prominent figure in sports ownership, also owning the Los Angeles Dodgers and holding a majority stake in the Los Angeles Lakers.
Adding to the excitement, the PWHL also confirmed that Detroit will be the host city for the league's draft and awards ceremony in mid-June, further solidifying its position as a central hub for women's hockey.
The integration of a new professional women's hockey team into Detroit's vibrant sports landscape represents more than just an expansion of a league; it signifies a powerful affirmation of the city's enduring spirit and its commitment to fostering equality and opportunity in sports. This move not only provides an elevated platform for female athletes to showcase their talent but also serves as a beacon of inspiration for young girls across the region, encouraging them to pursue their dreams in hockey and beyond. The robust support from the Ilitch family and the proven enthusiasm of Detroit's fanbase underscore a promising future where women's professional sports are not just celebrated, but deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of major cities.
