Detroit Secures PWHL Franchise for 2026‑27 Season
The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) announced that Detroit will host its newest franchise, PWHL Detroit, beginning play in the 2026‑27 season, a move that underscores the league’s ambition to embed itself in major U.S. sports markets.
The team will call Little Caesars Arena its home court, a venue that previously attracted nearly 54,000 fans across four PWHL Takeover Tour games, highlighting the city’s appetite for women’s hockey.
Training will take place at BELFOR Training Center, a state‑of‑the‑art facility that will host the franchise’s preseason and development programs.
Ownership of the Detroit franchise will be anchored by The Walter Group under the league’s single‑entity model, joining eight other clubs that together form the PWHL’s expanding footprint.
Chris Ilitch, President and CEO of Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, said the arrival of the PWHL aligns with Detroit’s identity as a major sports city and offers a powerful role model for young girls across the region.
Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield echoed the sentiment, noting that the league’s presence will inspire the next generation of local hockey players and contribute to the city’s economic and community growth.
Amy Scheer, PWHL Executive Vice President of Business Operations, confirmed that Detroit met every criterion for expansion, citing the city’s infrastructure and fan engagement as decisive factors.
Jayna Hefford will lead the franchise’s Hockey Operations department as it finalizes its roster and staff ahead of the inaugural season.
The new team’s colors — black, silver, white and red — will appear on jerseys that feature the Ally Financial logo, tying the franchise to a national brand committed to women’s sports.
With the league now comprising nine clubs, the addition of Detroit marks a pivotal moment for gender equity in professional hockey and reinforces the city’s reputation as a hub for innovative sports ventures.