Little Caesars Arena is already earning rave reviews, and it hasn't even hosted its first Professional Women's Hockey League game yet. On Wednesday, the PWHL officially announced Detroit as its ninth expansion franchise, with the team set to take the ice this fall at the downtown Detroit venue—home of the NHL's Red Wings since 2017.
The announcement came during a press conference at the arena, where league executives and Ilitch Sports + Entertainment officials celebrated the Motor City's addition to the growing league. The PWHL, which launched just two years ago in August 2023, has moved quickly to expand, and Detroit's selection was a natural fit after the city hosted several wildly successful "Takeover Tour" games. Those events drew record-setting crowds for a women's professional hockey game, proving the demand was there from the start.
But it's not just the fan support that sold the league on Detroit. The facilities are a major draw. Since opening its doors, Little Caesars Arena has consistently ranked among the NHL's top venues, praised for its modern design, fan-friendly amenities, and top-tier accommodations for both home and visiting teams. That reputation extends to the PWHL's new club, which will also have access to the nearby BELFOR Training Center—a world-class practice facility that gives the team an edge from day one.
PWHL Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations Jayna Hefford didn't hold back when asked about the arena. "First of all, coming to this arena for the first time, I think it's one of the most beautiful arenas I've ever been in, and I've been in a number," she said. "Really impressed by this building." She also credited the Detroit fanbase, noting, "Detroit has shown up every time. They haven't disappointed us."
Adding to the excitement, the 2026 PWHL Draft will take place just four blocks away at the historic Fox Theatre on Woodward Avenue in June—a fitting stage for the league's next chapter. With a strong youth hockey presence across Michigan and a venue that sets the standard for excellence, Detroit's newest professional team is poised to make an immediate impact.