There are no current intentions to sell the Professional Women’s Hockey League or alter its ownership structure. Stan Kasten, a member of the PWHL’s advisory board, affirmed that the governance of the 12-team league would remain unchanged, despite ongoing activities by co-founder Mark Walter to divest parts of his sports portfolio amid U.S. federal probes into loans between his insurance firms and businesses connected to Walter.
Kasten stated through a PWHL-provided statement that there are no anticipated shifts in the league’s ownership. The league continues to operate with a steadfast commitment to sustainable growth, mirroring its original long-term vision.
Mark Walter, a wealthy individual based in Chicago, holds interests in various professional sports teams through TWG Global Holdings, a multinational conglomerate. His sports portfolio includes ownership stakes in prominent teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Sparks, Chelsea FC, and the Cadillac F1 team.
Recent reports highlighted federal scrutiny on Walter’s businesses for potential tax fraud issues by U.S. prosecutors and the Securities and Exchange Commission. Walter is fully cooperating with these investigations.
An agreement was reached in August for the sale of the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers to Josh Kushner and Bob Iger for a record $12.5 billion US, pending approval by the NBA’s board of governors. Walter, who acquired a controlling interest in the franchise from the Buss family last year, is at the center of this transaction.
Regarding potential investigations into Walter by Canadian authorities, the Canadian Securities Administrators redirected inquiries to regional securities commissions when questioned.
The PWHL, with two Canadian-based subsidiaries in Toronto and Vancouver, welcomed outside investors, Kilmer Sports Ventures and Ilitch Sports and Entertainment, in June. Kilmer’s investment was reported to be $100 million, but both entities declined to comment on the league’s ownership status.
Mark Walter and his wife Kimbra founded the PWHL in 2022, initiating a partnership with the Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association and Billie Jean King Enterprises to establish a six-team women’s hockey league. The league’s inaugural season took place in 2024, expanding to 12 teams by the 2025-26 season, with the coveted Walter Cup serving as the championship trophy.
In an exciting development, the PWHL announced expansions to Hamilton, Detroit, San Jose, and Las Vegas this summer, with the Hamilton franchise becoming the fifth Canadian team among the 12 league-owned teams. Stan Kasten expressed optimism about the league’s future, highlighting the rapid growth and success achieved within just three seasons.
As Kasten reassured the public about the Los Angeles Dodgers’ status amid speculation, he emphasized that the team is not up for sale and remains focused on achieving success. Mark Walter’s significant purchase of the Dodgers in 2012 for $2.15 billion through Guggenheim Baseball Management solidified his ownership of 27% of the reigning World Series champions.