Detroit Roars: PWHL Arrives for 2026-27 Season!

The Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) is expanding to Detroit, with the new team, PWHL Detroit, set to begin play in the 2026-27 season. This marks the first of potentially four new franchises being added by the league.

PWHL Detroit will play its home games at Little Caesars Arena and train at the BELFOR Training Center. The bid for the team was led by Ilitch Sports and Entertainment, which owns the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Tigers. Ryan Gustafson, president and CEO of Ilitch Sports and Entertainment, expressed excitement about bringing a team to "Hockeytown," noting the strong fan energy observed during past PWHL neutral-site games.

Over the past three years, four neutral-site PWHL games held at Little Caesars Arena have drawn a total of 53,586 fans. The most recent game on March 28 saw 15,938 attendees, demonstrating significant market interest. League officials are confident in the business potential, highlighting the possibility of successful standalone games or double-headers with the Red Wings.

Detroit's expansion was evaluated based on market size, fan support, infrastructure, and economic opportunities. The city offers a "best-in-class" facility in Little Caesars Arena, providing players with dedicated locker rooms and top-tier amenities. Geographically, Detroit's addition strengthens the PWHL's presence in the Midwest alongside Minnesota.

The team's primary colors will be black and silver, accented with white and red, a nod to the Red Wings. Ally Financial will serve as the inaugural jersey patch partner. Additionally, Detroit will host the 2026 PWHL Awards on June 16 and the Entry Draft on June 17 at the Fox Theatre, further solidifying the city's role in the league's growth.

The league has indicated plans for expansion, with discussions about adding two, three, or even four teams. The roster-building process for these new franchises is tentatively slated to begin on May 28.