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Ilitch Companies announced as PWHL investor ahead of Detroit season
By Jenny Sherman at WDIV ClickOnDetroit (NBC) - Local News
· June 22, 2026
· 2 min read
The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) announced on Monday that Ilitch Companies and Canada-based Kilmer Sports Ventures have recently been named strategic partners of the league. The move marks a significant investment in the league — and its first outside investors — at a time when the P...
Key takeaway “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, in a news release.
Why this matters in The Detroit
The Ilitch Companies' investment in the Professional Women's Hockey League is a significant development for Detroit 's sports landscape. As the city prepares to welcome a new PWHL team, this partnership brings both financial and operational expertise to the table. The Ilitch family's experience in managing successful sports franchises, including the Detroit Red Wings, will likely benefit the PWHL's Detroit outfit. With the league's growing momentum and increasing popularity, this investment could help establish Detroit as a hub for women's hockey, attracting new fans and creating opportunities for local athletes. The addition of a Detroit team to the PWHL also raises questions about potential collaborations with existing sports organizations and venues in the city, and how this new team will engage with the local community. As the 2026-27 season approaches, Detroiters can expect to see more details about the team's branding, schedule, and outreach efforts.
About this story
Original reporting by WDIV ClickOnDetroit (NBC) - Local News . The Detroit surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WDIV ClickOnDetroit (NBC) - Local News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 22, 2026 ·
Source: WDIV ClickOnDetroit (NBC) - Local News ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) announced on Monday that Ilitch Companies and Canada-based Kilmer Sports Ventures have recently been named strategic partners of the league. The move marks a significant investment in the league — and its first outside investors — at a time when the P...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 22, 2026 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit (NBC) - Local News and curated for The Detroit readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Jenny Sherman at WDIV ClickOnDetroit (NBC) - Local News. To learn more about how The Detroit selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Detroit, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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