Detroit Welcomes Professional Women's Hockey League Team

Key facts

• Detroit will host a new Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) team starting in the 2026-27 season.
• Ilitch Sports + Entertainment and Detroit city officials announced the expansion on May 5.
• The team will play home games at Little Caesars Arena.
• Detroit will also host the 2026 PWHL Awards Ceremony on June 16 and the 2026 PWHL Draft on June 17.
• Ally Financial will be the team's inaugural partner, with its logo on jerseys.
• The team's primary colors will be black and silver, with white as secondary and red as an accent.
• Detroit has previously hosted multiple successful PWHL neutral-site games, setting attendance records.

Detroit Awarded New Professional Women's Hockey League Franchise

Detroit is set to become the newest home for professional women's hockey, with the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) officially announcing the addition of a franchise based in the Motor City. The expansion was confirmed by Ilitch Sports + Entertainment and Detroit city officials during a press conference on May 5. This development marks a significant moment for women's sports in a city long synonymous with hockey. The new Detroit team is slated to begin play in the 2026-27 season, with all home games to be held at the Little Caesars Arena. This announcement fulfills a long-standing aspiration for the league and the city, which has demonstrated a strong appetite for women's hockey. The team's visual identity will feature black and silver as its primary colors, accented by white and a touch of red, a nod to Detroit's rich hockey heritage. While the official team name and logo are yet to be revealed, fans can already begin securing their place by placing deposits on season tickets.

City to Host Major League Events

Beyond establishing a new team, Detroit has been selected to host two significant PWHL events in the summer of 2026. The city will welcome the 2026 PWHL Awards Ceremony, presented by Ally, on Tuesday, June 16. This will be followed by the highly anticipated 2026 PWHL Draft, presented by Upper Deck, on Wednesday, June 17, which will take place at the historic Fox Theatre as a ticketed event open to the public. These events underscore Detroit's growing importance within the PWHL landscape and its capacity to host major sporting gatherings. The selection of the Fox Theatre for the draft signifies a commitment to engaging fans directly in the league's talent acquisition process. The dual hosting duties position Detroit as a central hub for the PWHL during a pivotal period, drawing attention from across the league and the broader sports world.

A History of Fan Engagement and Record Crowds

Detroit's selection is deeply rooted in its demonstrated passion for women's hockey. The city has consistently shown robust support, hosting multiple PWHL neutral-site games. These events have not only drawn large crowds but have also set attendance benchmarks for the sport. Notably, a game on March 16, 2025, attracted 14,288 spectators, establishing a then-U.S. arena attendance record for women's hockey. More recently, on March 28, 2026, a game at Little Caesars Arena drew 15,938 fans, setting a new high-water mark for women's hockey attendance at that venue. These figures highlight a clear demand and a receptive audience for a permanent professional team. The league's inaugural season in 2024 also saw Detroit host a nationally televised neutral-site game at Little Caesars Arena, which was attended by thousands, signaling the city's early embrace of the PWHL.

Ilitch Sports and Ally Financial: Key Partnerships

The expansion effort has been spearheaded by Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, the business entity behind prominent Detroit sports franchises like the Red Wings and Tigers, and the operator of Little Caesars Arena. Their involvement is crucial to building a sustainable foundation for the new team and fostering the sport's growth in the region. Complementing this local leadership, Ally Financial has stepped forward as the team's inaugural partner. The financial services company's branding will be prominently featured on the team's jerseys, signifying a significant commitment to PWHL Detroit. This partnership extends to presenting the 2026 PWHL Awards Ceremony. These collaborations represent a robust commitment from both corporate and civic entities, aiming to integrate the new team seamlessly into Detroit's vibrant sports ecosystem and elevate the profile of women's hockey.

A Vision for Growth and Inspiration

The addition of PWHL Detroit aligns with the league's broader strategic vision for expansion and long-term growth. Detroit's storied hockey history and passionate fanbase make it an ideal market to cultivate a successful franchise. The league currently comprises eight other teams: Boston, Minnesota, Montréal, New York, Ottawa, Seattle, Toronto, and Vancouver. Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield emphasized the significance of this moment for women and girls, stating it reflects progress in ensuring they are seen, supported, and have opportunities to excel. Governor Gretchen Whitmer echoed this sentiment, highlighting how the team and the draft events will inspire young female athletes across Michigan. This expansion is poised to build upon Michigan's existing talent pool in hockey, which already contributes significantly to PWHL rosters and Olympic gold medal-winning teams, further solidifying the state's influence on the sport.

The bottom line

• Detroit will gain a Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) team for the 2026-27 season.
• Little Caesars Arena will serve as the home venue for the new franchise.
• Detroit is set to host the 2026 PWHL Awards Ceremony and Draft.
• Ally Financial has been named the team's inaugural partner.
• The team's primary colors will be black and silver, reflecting Detroit's industrial spirit.
• Previous high attendance at neutral-site games demonstrates strong fan demand for professional women's hockey in Detroit.