Detroit lands PWHL expansion team in 2026-27

Hockeytown is getting a franchise in the Professional Women's Hockey League.

On Wednesday, the league designated Detroit as a PWHL city beginning with the 2026-27 season. As many as three more teams could be added to the current eight-team league before the next season starts.

The selection of the Motor City can be tied in with the PWHL's relationship with the Ilitch family, whose holdings include the NHL's Red Wings as well as MLB's Tigers. The PWHL team will play its home games at Little Caesars Arena, the domain of the Red Wings.

"Detroit is one of the great hockey cities, shaped by generations of players, teams, and fans who have helped grow the game at every level. Bringing a PWHL team to Little Caesars Arena is an exciting next step for our city and for the continued momentum of women's hockey," said Chris Ilitch, president and CEO of the Ilitch Companies.

"This moment also reflects our broader vision of using sports as a catalyst for Detroit's continued revitalization -- strengthening community engagement, supporting economic growth, and contributing to the city's long-term development. We're proud to support the PWHL's growth, welcome these athletes to our city, and inspire the next generation of women and girls to pursue the game at the highest level."

Detroit hosted the league's first neutral-site game during its inaugural season in 2024. The city, in fact, has hosted four PWHL games, including setting a then-U.S. arena attendance record for women's hockey of 14,288 on March 16, 2025, On March 28, 2026, a women's hockey attendance high of 15,938 watched the Takeover Tour game at Little Caesars Arena.

"Detroit has been part of PWHL history since the beginning; from the support shown at our first-ever neutral site game at Little Caesars Arena, the city and fans have helped lead the way for the future of pro women's hockey," said Amy Scheer, PWHL executive vice president, business operations.

"Led by our incredible partner Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, Detroit proved time and time again they are ready for a team of their own. We are so proud to permanently join Hockeytown with the introduction of PWHL Detroit."

The Ilitch family will not own the Detroit club. All PWHL teams are centrally owned by Mark Walter and his wife, Kimbra. Walter owns the Los Angeles Dodgers and is the majority owner of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Also Wednesday, the PWHL also announced Detroit will host the league's draft and awards ceremony in mid-June.

--Field Level Media