PWHL Detroit Unveiled: Ninth Franchise Joins Professional Women’s Hockey League

The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) announced on May 6, 2026 that Detroit will host its first expansion team for the 2026-27 season, becoming the league’s ninth franchise. The decision followed a multi-criteria review that emphasized market size, fan support, existing infrastructure, and economic opportunity. League executives highlighted Detroit’s strong girls-hockey ecosystem—programs such as Little Caesars and Honey Baked have already produced league players—and its geographic position in the Midwest, complementing the existing Minnesota franchise.

New York Times

The league operates under a single-entity model owned by Mark Walter, billionaire proprietor of the Los Angeles Dodgers, and his wife Kimbra. Ilitch Sports and Entertainment, which owns the Detroit Red Wings and Tigers, led the city’s bid. Ryan Gustafson, president and CEO of Ilitch Sports and Entertainment, described the partnership as a “welcome” addition to “Hockeytown.” Executive vice presidents Amy Scheer (business operations) and Jayna Hefford (hockey operations) oversaw the expansion process.

New York Times

PWHL Detroit will play home games at Little Caesars Arena and train at the BELFOR Training Center within the same complex. The arena provides dedicated locker rooms and “best-in-class” amenities, according to Hefford. The team’s primary colors are black and silver, accented with white and red to echo the Red Wings’ winged wheel. Ally Financial, a Detroit-based firm, will appear on the chest of the inaugural jerseys.

New York Times

The league has previously staged four neutral-site games at Little Caesars Arena, drawing a cumulative 53,586 spectators. The most attended event, a March 28 matchup between the Montreal Victoire and New York Sirens, attracted 15,938 fans and was the first PWHL game broadcast nationally in the United States on ION. These figures suggest a robust local appetite for women’s hockey.

New York Times

League officials emphasized confidence in Detroit’s business prospects and the suitability of the arena for player development. The PWHLPA outlined a roster-building timeline that includes multiple signing windows but no traditional expansion draft. The league’s public communications noted that the exact number of new franchises—potentially two to four—remains unsettled.

New York Times

While the league’s internal email indicated plans for a four-team expansion, a subsequent statement qualified that “nothing is finalized at this time.” Scheer reiterated uncertainty, stating the expansion could involve two, three, or four teams. No definitive schedule for additional markets beyond Detroit has been released.

New York Times

• May 6, 2026 – Detroit expansion announced.

New York Times

• May 28, 2026 – PWHLPA expansion process slated to begin.

New York Times

• June 16, 2026 – PWHL Awards to be held at Detroit’s Fox Theatre.

New York Times

• June 17, 2026 – 2026 PWHL Draft scheduled at the Fox Theatre.

New York Times

The franchise will finalize its permanent name and logo after the upcoming draft. Hosting the league’s awards and draft is intended to generate momentum ahead of the team’s inaugural season in 2026-27. Continued collaboration with Ilitch Sports and local sponsors aims to embed the team within Detroit’s broader sports culture.

New York Times

• “I think we all felt we could have come here last year, and so (we’re) excited that this time is really here.” — Amy Scheer, Executive Vice President of Business Operations, PWHL

New York Times

• “Whether it’s a standalone date, whether it’s a doubleheader with the Red Wings, we feel we will be very successful here in Detroit.” — Amy Scheer, PWHL

New York Times

• “We are honored to bring the PWHL to a sports community where women and girls have already put hockey on the map, and advance that incredible culture by offering young athletes a professional league they can strive for,” — Jayna Hefford, Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations, PWHL

New York Times

• “We have been told the league intends to move forward with a four-team expansion.” — Malaika Underwood, Executive Director, PWHL Players Association

New York Times