The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) announced its first outside investors since its inception in 2024; with a name Detroiters may be familiar with.
Ilitch Companies and Kilmer Sports Ventures have joined the league, which recently announced a Detroit expansion team for the 2026-27 season, as “strategic partners”.
“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. Our organization has long believed in the power of hockey to bring communities together and open doors for the next generation. 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.”
Financial terms were not disclosed in the league announcement Monday, but according to a report from Sportico, the deal is worth more than $100 million, citing a person familiar with the matter.
The PWHL operates under a single ownership model, meaning Mark Walter is the only owner. There are no individual team owners.
Ilitch Companies, led by Chris Illitch since 2004, owns the Detroit Red Wings, Tigers and a plethora of real estate, entertainment and sports venues across the city of Detroit.
The second investor, Kilmer Sports Ventures, which is based in Toronto, owns stakes in the WNBA’s Toronto Temp and Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, the parent company of the NBA’s Toronto Raptors and the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs, among others.
Jalen Williams is a trending reporter at the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at jawilliams1@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: PWHL lands investment from Ilitch Companies. What we know
Reporting by Jalen Williams, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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By Jalen Williams, Detroit Free Press | USA TODAY Network
