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The Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) is getting major backing from a pair of sports investors.
The PWHL announced Monday that Kilmer Sports Ventures and Ilitch Companies will join the league as strategic partners, the PWHL's first outside investors since the league's formation in 2023. The investment comes amid unprecedented growth in the league and marks a step toward "building the PWHL for the long term," said Mark Walter, CEO and co-chairman of TWG Global, who has funded the league since its inception.
Kilmer Sports Ventures and Ilitch Companies "bring tremendous experience in professional hockey and a deep commitment to women’s sports, and they share our vision for the future as we continue growing the league," Walter added in a statement. “Kimbra (Walter) and I are incredibly proud of what the PWHL has accomplished in a short time and are excited about what it can achieve moving forward."
Fans asked, PWHL answered: Detroit welcomes expansion team in 2026
More: Defenseman Caroline Harvey taken No. 1 overall in 2026 PWHL draft by Vancouver
Both groups bring sports experience to the table. Kilmer Sports Ventures, a Toronto-based investment firm, owns and operates the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs, NBA’s Toronto Raptors, MLS’ Toronto FC and the WNBA's Toronto Tempo. Ilitch Companies is based in Detroit and oversees the NHL's Detroit Red Wings and MLB's Detroit Tigers.
The PWHL is expanding into Detroit for the 2026-2027 season, in addition to Hamilton, Las Vegas, and San Jose, growing from eight to 12 franchises by next season. The Detroit franchise will play home games at the Little Caesars Arena, which is managed by Ilitch Sports + Entertainment.
“The PWHL's rise has been one of the most compelling stories in professional sports, and we are proud to be part of that story,” said Chris Ilitch, CEO of Ilitch Companies. “Investing in the PWHL means an opportunity to broaden the game’s reach, connect with new fans, and create pathways for athletes for generations to come. ... From supporting youth and amateur hockey for nearly 60 years to investing in the future of women’s professional hockey, we are proud to help advance the game at every level.”
Reach USA TODAY National Women’s Sports Reporter Cydney Henderson at [email protected] and follow her on X at @CydHenderson.
The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: PWHL secures outside investments from major sports owners
Continue reading...
The PWHL announced Monday that Kilmer Sports Ventures and Ilitch Companies will join the league as strategic partners, the PWHL's first outside investors since the league's formation in 2023. The investment comes amid unprecedented growth in the league and marks a step toward "building the PWHL for the long term," said Mark Walter, CEO and co-chairman of TWG Global, who has funded the league since its inception.
Kilmer Sports Ventures and Ilitch Companies "bring tremendous experience in professional hockey and a deep commitment to women’s sports, and they share our vision for the future as we continue growing the league," Walter added in a statement. “Kimbra (Walter) and I are incredibly proud of what the PWHL has accomplished in a short time and are excited about what it can achieve moving forward."
Fans asked, PWHL answered: Detroit welcomes expansion team in 2026
More: Defenseman Caroline Harvey taken No. 1 overall in 2026 PWHL draft by Vancouver
Both groups bring sports experience to the table. Kilmer Sports Ventures, a Toronto-based investment firm, owns and operates the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs, NBA’s Toronto Raptors, MLS’ Toronto FC and the WNBA's Toronto Tempo. Ilitch Companies is based in Detroit and oversees the NHL's Detroit Red Wings and MLB's Detroit Tigers.
The PWHL is expanding into Detroit for the 2026-2027 season, in addition to Hamilton, Las Vegas, and San Jose, growing from eight to 12 franchises by next season. The Detroit franchise will play home games at the Little Caesars Arena, which is managed by Ilitch Sports + Entertainment.
“The PWHL's rise has been one of the most compelling stories in professional sports, and we are proud to be part of that story,” said Chris Ilitch, CEO of Ilitch Companies. “Investing in the PWHL means an opportunity to broaden the game’s reach, connect with new fans, and create pathways for athletes for generations to come. ... From supporting youth and amateur hockey for nearly 60 years to investing in the future of women’s professional hockey, we are proud to help advance the game at every level.”
Reach USA TODAY National Women’s Sports Reporter Cydney Henderson at [email protected] and follow her on X at @CydHenderson.
The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: PWHL secures outside investments from major sports owners
Continue reading...
