Pro women’s hockey is coming to Detroit, as the PWHL made its expansion plans official at this morning’s press conference.
Joining as the third-year league’s ninth team, Detroit shot out as an early frontrunner after hosting four Takeover Tour matchups over the past two years — and setting a US women’s hockey attendance record in 2025.
“Detroit has been part of PWHL history since the beginning,” said PWHL EVP of business operations Amy Scheer in a league statement.
“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.”
Nearing the end of another successful season, the PWHL is pairing an aggressive expansion phase with next month’s college draft — also held in Detroit.
The league is already preparing to roll out new roster-building rules, forgoing a traditional expansion draft in favor of multiple signing windows as a means of prioritizing player choice.
“Detroit sports fans are the best in the world,” said Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer. “From selling out arenas to setting attendance records, our fans show out when women’s hockey shows up.”
How to Reserve Tickets for the 2026/27 PHWL Detroit Season
Detroit PHWL fans can secure priority access to season tickets for Detroit’s historic inaugural season by placing a time-stamped deposit now.
