PWHL’s First Outside Investors

PWHL’s First Outside Investors

June 32, 2026

PWHL adds Ilitch, Tanenbaum-led Kilmer as first outside investors
The Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) has secured outside capital for the first time by bringing on Ilitch Companies and Kilmer Sports Ventures as enterprise investors. This funding round follows a rapid expansion that will grow the league from eight to 12 teams for the 2026–27 season, far outpacing its original timeline. Rather than selling individual franchises, the PWHL will maintain its centralized, single-entity ownership structure to remain nimble as it continues to scale operations across the U.S. and Canada.
^{Sports Business Journal}

Pat McAfee to join PB&J brand Jams as co-owner
ESPN personality and The Pat McAfee Show host Pat McAfee has made the first food and beverage investment of his career by joining the peanut butter and jelly brand Jams as a co-owner. Beyond providing a significant capital investment, McAfee will take on a leadership role that involves creative direction, content strategy, and integrating the products across his various media platforms. He joins an already star-studded, athlete-heavy investor roster for the retail brand that includes NFL quarterback Caleb Williams, J.J. Watt, and former soccer star Alex Morgan.
^{Sports Business Journal}

UFC’s Freedom 250 Draws 17 Million Viewers
UFC Freedom 250, the historic fight card staged on the South Lawn of the White House, attracted a total of 17 million viewers across the United States and Latin America. According to data provided by Paramount, the exclusive streaming home for the card, the spectacle averaged 8.2 million viewers over its seven bouts to officially become the biggest live exclusive event in the history of the platform. The blockbuster ratings provide a massive win for the UFC's seven-year, $7.7 billion media rights agreement with Paramount, which began earlier this year.
_{Front Office Sports}

Chicago Fire stadium project lined up for $425m public subsidy
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has proposed a $425 million taxpayer subsidy from property tax growth to fund public infrastructure surrounding the Chicago Fire's new South Loop stadium project, known as The 78. While the 22,000-seat venue itself remains entirely privately financed by club owner Joe Mansueto, the public funds will be directed toward street construction, Metra track work, river wall improvements, and a city-owned underground parking garage. Supporters argue the investment will revitalize a long-dormant site and drive economic growth, while critics question whether the substantial public funds could be better allocated elsewhere.  
^{The Stadium Business}

N.Y. to consider future dual-city bid for Winter Olympics
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the formation of an exploratory committee to evaluate a potential dual-hosting bid for a future Winter Olympics featuring Lake Placid and New York City. The committee, led by Olympic Regional Development Authority President and CEO Ashley Walden, will spend approximately one year studying the feasibility and economic impact of such an endeavor. While the state's exploratory step does not mean an official bid is underway, the earliest available opportunity for New York to host the Games would likely be 2042.
^ESPN

Rece Davis to join ESPN’s Wimbledon coverage as studio host
Longtime College GameDay host Rece Davis is set to make his first foray into tennis by joining ESPN's studio coverage for the 2026 Wimbledon tournament. He will share on-site hosting duties with Malika Andrews, leading marquee programs such as Wimbledon Match Point and Breakfast at Wimbledon from late June through mid-July. This high-profile addition is part of a broader talent revamp for ESPN’s tennis coverage, which also includes the recent signing of former Grand Slam champion Andy Roddick as a network analyst.  
^{Yahoo Sports}

Azzi Fudd chooses Project B over Unrivaled
Dallas Wings guard Azzi Fudd will join the newly formed women’s basketball league, Project B, for the upcoming WNBA offseason rather than playing in the U.S.-based 3x3 league Unrivaled. Set to begin play this December, Project B features a global circuit structure consisting of six men's and six women's teams with 11 players each. Fudd's decision comes as a slight surprise to some given her previous collegiate NIL ties to Unrivaled, but she will now benefit from the unique model of Project B, which grants equity in the league to every participating athlete.
^{Field Level Media}

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Florida State Taps Aramark for Concessions in Major Venue Shake-Up
Florida State University is set to partner with Aramark for its stadium hospitality and concessions, terminating its 10-year contract with Legends five years ahead of schedule. While the university has not officially commented on the sudden venue shake-up, the transition follows persistent fan complaints regarding long lines, understaffing, and subpar food quality during home football games. Despite losing the concessions and hospitality business, Legends will continue to manage multimedia marketing rights for the Seminoles.  
^Wunderfan

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