The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) has confirmed that there are no current intentions to sell the league or alter its ownership structure. Stan Kasten, a member of the PWHL advisory board, assured that the governance of the 12-team league would remain unchanged despite recent developments involving co-founder Mark Walter and his sports investments. Walter, a prominent figure with interests in various sports teams such as the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Lakers, is reportedly divesting parts of his sports empire amid ongoing federal investigations into loans between his insurance companies and businesses associated with him.
Kasten emphasized that the ownership of the PWHL is set to remain stable with a continued focus on long-term sustainability and growth, echoing the league’s original vision. While Walter’s businesses are under scrutiny by U.S. federal prosecutors and the Securities and Exchange Commission for tax-related matters, there are no anticipated changes in the ownership structure of the PWHL.
The league, which includes two subsidiaries in Canada, has recently seen external investments from Toronto-based Kilmer Sports Ventures and Detroit-based Ilitch Sports and Entertainment. These investments marked the first outside contributions to the PWHL, signaling growing interest and support for women’s professional hockey.
Walter, along with his wife Kimbra Walter, co-founded the PWHL in 2022, establishing a partnership with the Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association and Billie Jean King Enterprises to create a women’s hockey league. The league commenced its inaugural season in 2024 and has since expanded, with plans to introduce new franchises in cities like Hamilton, Detroit, San Jose, and Las Vegas.
As the league looks ahead to further growth and development, Kasten expressed optimism about the future of the PWHL and the dedication of its ownership to advancing women’s hockey. Amidst speculations surrounding Walter’s sports holdings, Kasten clarified that the Los Angeles Dodgers, a key asset in Walter’s portfolio, are not up for sale, reaffirming the commitment to success and progress in the sports industry.