Goal-den Opportunity: PWHL Adds First Outside Investments In League History
Monday, June 22, 2026 at 01:34PM By Barry Janoff
une 22, 2026: Stating that they “share our vision for the future as we continue growing the league,” the PWHL said today venerable sports organizations Kilmer Sports Ventures and Ilitch Companies have joined the league as strategic partners, becoming the first outside investors since the league was established in 2023.
The league and its 12 teams are owned by the Mark Walter Group under the auspices of Mark and Kimbra Walter, whose portfolio also includes the Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Lakers and WNBA Los Angeles Sparks.
According to the league, “The significant new investment brings in two accomplished sports ownership groups with deep roots in PWHL markets to capitalize on the league's continued growth and momentum.
“This strong foundation and early success positioned the league to selectively welcome outside investment for the first time.”
Financial terms were not released. Industry analysts said that Kilmer invested $100 million U.S. directly into the PWHL
“Kimbra and I are incredibly proud of what the PWHL has accomplished in a short time and are excited about what it can achieve moving forward,” said Mark Walter via the Mark Walter Group.
“As we continue building the PWHL for the long term, we’re thrilled to welcome Kilmer Sports Ventures and Ilitch Companies as partners. They bring tremendous experience in professional hockey and a deep commitment to women’s sports, and they share our vision for the future as we continue growing the league."
Canada-based Kilmer Sports Ventures is led by Larry Tanenbaum.
He is Chairman Emeritus of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, parent company of the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs, NBA’s Toronto Raptors, MLS’ Toronto FC and CFL’s Toronto Argonauts.
Recent investments have included Canada’s first WNBA franchise, the Tempo, and the purchase of AS Saint-Étienne France football club.
Ilitch Companies, led by CEO Chris Ilitch, is the parent company of Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, which owns and operates the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Tigers, manages Little Caesars Arena and other entertainment venues across the region.
"Hockey is in our DNA as Canadians, and that passion brought us to the PWHL as its first Canadian investor," Tanenbaum said via Kilmer Sports Ventures. "Building world-class women's sports organizations that inspire the next generation of athletes, fans, and leaders is how you create something that truly lasts.
“We saw that opportunity first with the Tempo, Canada's first WNBA team, and now we're proud to deepen that commitment through this significant investment in the PWHL. What Mark Walter and PWHL senior leadership have built so quickly is incredible, and we're honored to be part of this league and everything it stands for."
The investments come on the heels of the PWHL unveiling expansion to Detroit (which will play in Ilitch-operated Little Caesars Arena), Las Vegas, San Jose and Hamilton Ontario for the 2026-27 season, adding to the PWHL’s eight current markets: Boston, Minnesota, Montréal, New York, Ottawa, Toronto and 2025-26 expansion teams Seattle and Vancouver.
Mark and Kimbra Walter, together with the PWHL Advisory Board, will continue to oversee league operations and strategic direction, while benefiting from the expertise, relationships, and perspectives of two of the most respected ownership groups in professional sports.
“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 Ilitch via Ilitch Companies. “Investing in the PWHL means an opportunity to broaden the game’s reach, connect with new fans, and create pathways for athletes for generations to come.
“Our organization has long believed in the power of hockey to bring communities together and open doors for the next generation. From supporting youth and amateur hockey for nearly 60 years to investing in the future of women’s professional hockey, we are proud to help advance the game at every level.”
PWHL said it had “historic growth in its third season, including welcoming more than 1.1 million fans in the regular season. The PWHL has grown its sponsorship portfolio by 35% year-over-year, increased e-commerce merchandise sales by more than 50%, and generated more than 682 million social media impressions”
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