Detroit to get Professional Women’s Hockey League team -- here’s what we know

DETROIT – Detroit is getting a Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) team.

Ilitch Sports + Entertainment and Detroit city officials made the announcement in a press conference on May 5.

Before Wednesday’s announcement, the PWHL had eight teams: Boston Fleet, Minnesota Frost, Montréal Victoire, New York Sirens, Ottawa Charge, Toronto Sceptres, Seattle Torrent and Vancouver Goldeneyes.

PWHL had a nationally televised game on March 28 in Detroit, which drew thousands of spectators.

PWHL Detroit will begin playing for the 2026-27 season at Little Caesars Arena.

The team will have black and silver as primary colors, complemented by white as a secondary and red as an accent. The jerseys will also feature an Ally patch, since Ally Financial will be the team’s inaugural partner.

An official team name will be announced at a later date.

The PWHL entry draft will be at the Fox Theatre on June 17. Fans can start placing deposits on season tickets now. Click here for information.

“As the first woman mayor of the city of Detroit in Detroit’s 324-year history, this moment is especially meaningful to me. It reflects progress that we are making as a city to ensure that women and girls are seen, supported and given the opportunity to shine at the highest level. And today also signals that women sports belong in the biggest stages,” Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield said in the press conference.

“I’m so excited Hockeytown is now home to the newest team in the Professional Women’s Hockey League, as well as the 2026 draft,” Governor Gretchen Whitmer said in a statement. “From selling out stadiums to setting attendance records, our fans show out when women’s hockey shows up. Detroit sports fans are the best in the world. Michiganders already make up so much of the PWHL’s talent, as well as much of the Olympic gold winning teams, and we’re ready to build on Michigan’s hockey momentum. This will inspire more young girls and women who play hockey in arenas and backyards across our state to follow their dreams right here in Michigan. Welcome to Detroit!”