Detroit is all in on women’s hockey, as the PWHL announced plans to stage next month’s entry draft and awards ceremony in the incoming expansion city.

The news accompanies the third-year league’s decision to launch its ninth team in the Motor City. PWHL Detroit will hit the ice later this year.

“We’re excited that we’ll give this community an early chance to get involved and to watch your team be built,” PWHL EVP of business operations Amy Scheer said.

2025/26 addition Vancouver secured this year’s top PWHL draft pick, with Wisconsin and Team USA standout Caroline Harvey projected to go No. 1.

Seattle, New York, and Toronto also have lottery picks after missing the PWHL playoffs. However, introducing more teams could disrupt the draft order via the league’s Gold Plan system.

“I’m so excited Hockeytown is now home to the newest team in the Professional Women’s Hockey League, and to welcome the 2026 PWHL Draft and Awards Ceremony to Michigan next month,” said Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

“We’re ready to build on Michigan’s hockey momentum.”

The 2026 PWHL Draft kicks off June 17th at Detroit’s historic Fox Theater.

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.

The 2025 PWHL Draft spotlighted the wealth of women's hockey talent currently rising through the ranks, as the league ushered in its third rookie class on Tuesday night.

With the first overall pick, the New York Sirens selected Colgate University alum Kristýna Kaltounková, after the 23-year-old Czech forward finished her college career as the team's all-time leading scorer.

"Coming from such a small town in the Czech Republic, it's a great honor," Kaltounková said after the announcement.

The PWHL's eight teams selected a total of 48 players across the Draft's six rounds, with 43 draftees coming out of the NCAA system.

Ohio State produced the most 2025 prospects with six selected players, after the Buckeyes won two of the last four national titles.

Of the five non-NCAA recruits, four made the leap from international pro leagues in Sweden and Russia, while one player joins the PWHL from the University of British Columbia.

With two of the eight first-round picks, New York played the Draft's most aggressive hand, trading defender Ella Shelton to Toronto in order to receive the Sceptres' third and 27th overall picks.

Due to that deal, the Sirens also snagged 2024/25 NCAA MVP Casey O'Brien, a three-time national champion and the Wisconsin Badgers' all-time leading scorer.

New York also traded top forward Abby Roque to Montréal before the 2025 PWHL Draft, receiving forward Kristin O'Neill and Tuesday's 28th overall pick in return.

With league expansion widening this year's PWHL talent pool, college programs have stepped up to fill the gaps as the professional game grows.