Detroit officially lands Professional Women's Hockey League team

The PWHL has been eyeing Detroit for possible expansion for some time, placing four "takeover tour" games at Little Caesars Arena over the last three seasons. Average attendance at the takeover tour outings was just below 13,400. Nearly 16,000 fans were on hand to watch the Montreal Victoire's win over the New York Sirens on March 28.

Markets already in the PWHL include Montreal, New York, Boston, Minnesota, Ottawa, Seattle, Toronto, and Vancouver. The PWHL said "details about further expansion, a forthcoming expansion roster building process, and how Detroit will be integrated into the 2026 PWHL Draft will be announced in the coming weeks."

Detroit's bid for a PWHL squad was led by Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, which operates Little Caesars Arena. The Red Wings and Detroit Pistons play their home games at LCA, and the venue, beginning in 2029, will be home to a new WNBA franchise.

The new PWHL team will practice at the BELFOR Training Center, located within Little Caesars Arena.

A fan holds up a sign indicating a desire for Detroit to get a PWHL team during the second period of a PWHL game between the New York Sirens and the Minnesota Frost, at Little Caesars Arena, in Detroit, March 16, 2025.

"The Detroit area and the state of Michigan have one of the strongest youth hockey development systems in the world, especially for girls, which is further exemplified by world-class facilities at Little Caesars Arena and a deep commitment from Ilitch Sports + Entertainment to advancing our sport," said Jayna Hefford, the PWHL's executive vice president of hockey operations.

"We are honored to bring the PWHL to a sports community where women and girls have already put hockey on the map, and advance that incredible culture by offering young athletes a professional league they can strive for."

Current players in the PWHL who grew up in Michigan include Riley Brengman (plays for Boston, from China Township), Mellissa Channell-Watkins (Vancouver, Plymouth), Shiann Darkangelo (Montreal, Royal Oak), Kaley Doyle (New York, Livonia), Emma Gentry (Toronto, Alpena), Taylor Girard (New York, Macomb Township), Elle Hartje (New York, Detroit), Megan Keller (Boston, Farmington), Abby Roque (Montreal, Sault Ste. Marie), Anna Segedi (Vancouver, Commerce Township), Callie Shanahan (New York, Commerce Township), Amanda Thiele (Boston, Milford) and Clara Van Wieren (Toronto, Okemos).

Minnesota (27) is the only state with more players in the PWHL than Michigan.

"We are thrilled that professional women's hockey is coming to our great city," Mayor Mary Sheffield said. "Detroit is home to incredibly passionate hockey fans who already have shown their enthusiasm and support for the PWHL here at Little Caesars Arena. I am deeply appreciative to the PWHL, Chris Ilitch, and Ally for making today possible.

"I have no doubt that Detroit will prove to be a premiere PWHL market. We can't wait for Detroit to host the PWHL Awards Ceremony and Draft here in June as we prepare for the start of the team’s exciting inaugural season."

rsilva@detroitnews.com

@rich_silva18

This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Professional Women's Hockey League officially expands to Detroit