The PWHL is expanding to Detroit. That news had leaked over the past few weeks after ongoing rumors, but was officially announced by the league at a press conference Wednesday
The yet-to-be-named PWHL Detroit franchise is set to hit the ice for the upcoming 2026-2027 season where they will play at Little Ceasars Arena and practice at BELFOR Training Center, which is part of the arena’s complex. Detroit becomes the ninth team in the PWHL. The league has said they will add four teams this offseason - Detroit is the first one announced.
"The wait is over. Detroit has a team. Let's go," said Chris Ilitch during the introductory press conference. Ilitch is CEO of Ilitch Holdings, Inc., which owns the Detroit Red Wings among many other things.
In the announcement release from the PWHL, Illitch said, “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.”
Detroit hosted the first-ever neutral-site game for the PWHL in March 2024. The first two Takeover Tour games in Detroit each set U.S. attendance records for women’s pro hockey at the time. The March 2026 game had 15,938 in attendance.
Per the league's release, " PWHL Detroit is joined by Ally Financial as the team’s inaugural partner, with team jerseys to feature an exclusive Ally patch on the chest. In celebration of the PWHL’s newest market, Detroit will host the 2026 PWHL Awards Ceremony, presented by Ally, on Tuesday, June 16, and the 2026 PWHL Draft, presented by Upper Deck, on Wednesday, June 17, with the Draft taking place at Fox Theatre as a ticketed event open to fans."
The league announcement also revealed the team's colors - black and silver, with white and red accents.
"The palette is distinct from any other team in the league, with the primary colors intended to evoke Detroit’s innovative and industrial spirit, matched with the resilient identity of Metro Detroiters. Meanwhile, the red accent is a nod to the city’s celebrated sports history, in particular, the Red Wings’ and Hockeytown’s hockey stewardship in the United States for more than 100 years. The permanent brand identity, including the team’s name and logo, will be announced at a later date. Visit DetroitPWHL.com, opens in a new tab to learn more; PWHL Detroit merchandise is available now at thePWHL.com/shop."
When the league's first two expansion teams were announced prior to the 2025 season, there was approximately seven months between the announcement of the team and the announcement of team names and branding. It's expected Detroit will follow a similar timeline.
More quotes from the PWHL announcement release"
“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.”
“We’re excited to welcome the PWHL to Little Caesars Arena and thankful for the partnership with the league to bring a team to Hockeytown. The energy Detroit fans have brought to Takeover Tour games over the past few years has been undeniable — it’s clear this is a market ready to embrace professional women’s hockey. We’re looking forward to building on that momentum, help grow the game, and create something meaningful with our fans and community,” Ryan Gustafson, President and CEO, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment
"We are thrilled that professional women's hockey is coming to our great city. Detroit is home to incredibly passionate hockey fans who already have shown their enthusiasm and support for the PWHL here at Little Caesars Arena," said Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield.
"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."
