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Detroit Secures PWHL Franchise, Breaks Attendance Records

5/7/2026

35 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Detroit Secures Franchise

The Professional Women’s Hockey League awarded Detroit a franchise that will start in the 2026-27 season.
The team will play at Little Caesars Arena, wear black-silver jerseys and feature Ally Financial.
Detroit will host the 2026 Awards Ceremony on June 16 and the Draft on June 17 at the Fox Theatre.
Takeover Tour games set records of 14,288 on March 16 2025 and 15,938 on March 28 2026, drawing 54,000 fans over three seasons.

Summary

Detroit Wins Franchise

Amy Scheer, VP of business operations for the PWHL, said Detroit’s fan enthusiasm made the market inevitable.
Jayna Hefford, VP of hockey operations, said the Takeover Tour attendance helped pave the way to expansion, which could add four cities in 2026 after Detroit was passed over for Vancouver and Seattle.
Concerns have been raised about Little Caesars Arena’s ability to host another team with the Red Wings and Pistons.

History

Historical Context

Founded in March 2015, the NWHL—backed by a $2.5 million operating budget—became the first U.S. women’s league to pay salaries, with the Boston Pride winning the inaugural Isobel Cup in 2016. After the 2022 Mark Walter and Billie Jean King partnership produced the PWHL, which launched in 2024, the league awarded Detroit a franchise for the 2026-27 season, extending the push for permanent professional markets.

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Detroit Secures Franchise

The Professional Women’s Hockey League awarded Detroit a franchise that will start in the 2026-27 season.
The team will play at Little Caesars Arena, wear black-silver jerseys and feature Ally Financial.
Detroit will host the 2026 Awards Ceremony on June 16 and the Draft on June 17 at the Fox Theatre.
Takeover Tour games set records of 14,288 on March 16 2025 and 15,938 on March 28 2026, drawing 54,000 fans over three seasons.

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