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PWHL Adds Detroit Team, Awards & Draft June 16-17

5/7/2026

Summary

Detroit Secures Franchise

The Professional Women’s Hockey League announced Detroit as its ninth franchise for the 2026-27 season.
The Walter Group, led by Mark and Kimbra Walter, owns the franchise, which will play home games at Little Caesars Arena and practice at the BELFOR Training Center.
Detroit will host the league’s Awards Ceremony on June 16 and the Draft on June 17 at the Fox Theatre.

Summary

Detroit Gains Franchise

Mayor Mary Sheffield said the franchise will boost Detroit’s economy and community pride.
Ilitch Companies CEO Chris Ilitch called the team a catalyst for city development and jobs.
Ally Financial is the inaugural partner and its logo will appear on the front of the jerseys.
Season-ticket deposits start at $50 and early buyers receive guaranteed draft tickets on June 17.

Summary

Detroit Secures Space

PWHL officials confirmed the Detroit franchise will receive locker rooms and dedicated space inside Little Caesars Arena.
The league is hiring hockey-operations staff for Detroit ahead of the June 17 entry draft.
The season schedule will mix double-header games with the Red Wings and standalone matchups rather than a continuous home block.
City officials noted Detroit’s only public rink is the seasonal outdoor Clark Park facility, highlighting an ice-access gap.

Summary

Detroit Wins Franchise

The PWHL will use multiple signing windows instead of a traditional expansion draft to give players more choice.
Fans can lock in priority season-ticket access for the 2026-27 Detroit team with a time-stamped deposit.
Amy Scheer, PWHL executive vice president of business operations, said Detroit fans have helped lead professional women’s hockey.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer said Detroit fans are the best in the world when women’s hockey arrives.

History

Historical Context

After Dani Rylan founded the paid-player National Women’s Hockey League in March 2015 with a $2.5 million budget and four inaugural teams, the 2019 collapse of the CWHL spurred the PWHPA and a 2022 partnership between Mark Walter Group and Billie Jean King. That alliance now backs Detroit’s PWHL franchise, slated to begin play in the 2026-27 season.

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Detroit Secures Franchise

The Professional Women’s Hockey League announced Detroit as its ninth franchise for the 2026-27 season.
The Walter Group, led by Mark and Kimbra Walter, owns the franchise, which will play home games at Little Caesars Arena and practice at the BELFOR Training Center.
Detroit will host the league’s Awards Ceremony on June 16 and the Draft on June 17 at the Fox Theatre.

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