A New Era for Women's Pro Hockey
The PWHL just made history off the ice. The league announced this week that it has secured its first-ever outside investors — a milestone that signals the rapidly growing legitimacy of professional women's hockey in Canada and beyond.
Detroit-based Ilitch Companies and Toronto businessman Larry Tanenbaum's Kilmer Sports Ventures have come on board as the league's inaugural outside backers. The investment amount hasn't been disclosed publicly, but an Ilitch Companies executive described it as "significant" — and driven by a genuine "belief in the growth of the game."
Who's Behind the Money?
The Ilitch Companies are no strangers to hockey. The Detroit family business owns the NHL's Detroit Red Wings and Little Caesars Arena, making them well-versed in the economics — and passion — of the sport at the highest levels.
Larry Tanenbaum, meanwhile, is a heavyweight in Canadian sports ownership. His Kilmer Sports Ventures has stakes in the Toronto Maple Leafs, Raptors, and other major franchises through MLSE. Having a Canadian sports titan put money into the PWHL sends a clear message: this league is worth backing.
What It Means for the PWHL — and Ottawa
For PWHL Ottawa fans, this is exciting news. The league's Ottawa franchise has been one of its brightest stories, playing to sold-out crowds at TD Place and building a passionate local fanbase since the league launched in 2024.
Outside investment typically means more resources — better facilities, expanded marketing, stronger player salaries, and more stability for teams across the board. When the league grows, every franchise benefits, including Ottawa's.
The PWHL was founded and initially backed by the NHL, which helped give it a credible launch platform. But moving beyond that founding structure and attracting independent outside capital is a sign the league is maturing into a self-sustaining business, not just a passion project.
A League on the Rise
The timing isn't surprising. The PWHL has posted strong attendance numbers, generated genuine buzz on social media, and attracted increasingly high-profile talent. Fans across Canada — Ottawa very much included — have embraced the product in a way that's clearly catching investors' eyes.
This kind of investment momentum is exactly what women's sports leagues have been working toward for years: proving to the business community that there's a real, loyal audience willing to show up and spend money.
For the players, coaches, and fans who've championed this league from day one, the Ilitch-Kilmer announcement isn't just a business story. It's validation.
Source: CBC Sports
