Detroit sports executive Ryan Gustafson was at the PWHL Draft, waiting for the new Detroit team's first pick.

Ilitch Companies CEO Chris Ilitch made the pick with Detroit GM Manon Rhéaume, choosing Swiss goalie Andrea Brändli.

This pick was the result of years of work to bring pro women's hockey to Detroit.

Gustafson said it was a cool moment, being excited and proud of how it all came together.

Behind the scenes, the PWHL made a deal with the Ilitch Companies and Kilmer Sports Ventures for an investment.

The investment is worth over $100 million, but details are not confirmed.

Gustafson called it a significant investment, showing belief in the league's growth.

He thinks women's hockey is on a great path, especially after the Olympics.

The PWHL was created less than four years ago and has a single-entity ownership structure.

Emma Maltais joined the PWHL champion Victoire on a 2-year deal.

Toronto businessman Larry Tanenbaum's company invested $100 million US in the PWHL.

The PWHL now has money to make its league permanent, said Stan Kasten, a sports executive.

The Ilitch Companies were interested in the PWHL since 2023.

Kasten has known the Ilitch family for over 30 years.

The conversation about investment started when the PWHL began, said Gustafson.

The PWHL wanted to raise a certain amount of money, but they got more because of the investors.

Kasten has known Tanenbaum for decades, working with him in the NHL and NBA.

Both investment groups have a good reputation, said Kasten.

They were not the only ones interested in investing in the PWHL.

At a recent MLB meeting, Kasten got questions about the PWHL's next funding round.

There are no plans for more teams or fundraising right now, said Kasten.

The PWHL just expanded to new cities, including Detroit, Hamilton, and Las Vegas.

The league is not making money yet, as it costs a lot to add new teams.

The Walter Group is targeting a major US broadcast rights deal.

The league's single-entity structure makes it easier to grow quickly, said Kasten.

This structure is what makes the PWHL's growth possible, said Kasten.

Caroline Harvey started her first day as a PWHL player, focused on winning.

The Ilitch Companies were interested in the PWHL without the chance to own a team.

Growing women's hockey is important to the Ilitch Companies, said Gustafson.

The company is committed to supporting the PWHL's growth, said Gustafson.