Kilmer Sports Ventures and Ilitch Companies invest in PWHL

6/22/2026

PWHL gets a $100M boost from Kilmer and Ilitch in its first outside investment New ownership backing signals growth, expansion and more opportunities for women’s hockey

Toronto businessman Larry Tanenbaum’s Kilmer Sports Ventures and Detroitbased Ilitch Companies have become strategic partners in the Professional Women’s Hockey League, marking the league’s first outside investment since its launch in 2023. A source told The Canadian Press that Kilmer invested US$100 million directly into the PWHL. The companies will take advisory rather than operational roles, according to the report. Tanenbaum said the investment builds on his support for women’s sports, pointing to his ownership of the Toronto Tempo, the WNBA expansion team, and describing the PWHL as a longterm opportunity to grow the game. Ilitch Companies said the league’s growth could help expand hockey’s reach and create more pathways for athletes. The PWHL recently announced expansion teams in Detroit, Hamilton, Las Vegas and San Jose, bringing the league to 12 teams for the 202627 season. The league also said sponsorship, merchandise sales and social media engagement have continued to rise.