Husband and wife Mark and Kimbra Walter, partners in both business and life, have provided the sole financial support for the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) since it launched in 2023.
But the business dynamic is changing with the announcement that Ilitch Companies and Kilmer Sports Ventures are joining the PWHL as strategic partners. The new partners are both proven sports ownership groups with roots in PWHL cities of Toronto (Kilmer Sports Ventures) and Detroit (Ilitch Companies).
The Walters Remain in Charge
Ilitch Companies is the parent company of Ilitch Sports and Entertainment, owner of both the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings, and manager of Little Caesars Arena. Larry Tanenbaum heads Kilmer Sports Ventures. He is chairman of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE), parent company of the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs, NBA’s Toronto Raptors, Toronto FC of the MLS, and the CFL’s Toronto Argonauts. Tananbaum is chairman of the NBA Board of Governors.
“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. “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.”
Ilitch was present at the recent PWHL Draft at Detroit’s Fox Theater.
After drawing 1.1 million fans last season, establishing a new record for attendance in professional women’s hockey — PWHL officials are bringing in four expansion teams to play in the 2026-27 season: Detroit, Hamilton, Las Vegas, and San Jose.
Women’s hockey pioneer Manon Rheaume is the general manager of the Detroit team, which doesn’t yet have a nickname.
Mark and Kimbra Walter, in consultation with the PWHL Advisory Board, will continue to oversee league operations and plan for the future.