Ted Leonsis, the owner of Monumental Sports & Entertainment, is open to bringing a women's hockey team to Washington, DC, but only if there's flexibility in the ownership structure of the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL). This comes as the PWHL plans to expand with up to four new franchises this summer, and the DC area has shown a strong interest in hosting a team. Leonsis, who already owns the WNBA's Washington Mystics, is a vocal supporter of women's sports and aims to make DC the 'capital of women's professional sports'.
The PWHL's expansion is a significant development in the world of women's hockey. The addition of new teams in Detroit, Hamilton, San Jose, and potentially Las Vegas, will bring more attention and competition to the league. The DC area's enthusiasm for women's hockey was evident during the PWHL Takeover Tour game between the Montreal Victoire and the New York Sirens, which attracted 17,228 fans, breaking the US record for attendance at a professional women's hockey game.
Leonsis' interest in bringing a team to DC is not new. He has previously expressed his desire to make DC a hub for women's sports, including hockey, baseball, and volleyball. However, the current ownership structure of the PWHL, where all teams are owned by the Mark Walter Group, presents a challenge. Leonsis would need the league to change its ownership structure to bring a team to DC.
The DC area has a history of supporting women's hockey. The Capitals have hosted PWHPA events, and the MedStar Capitals Iceplex has been a venue for the PWHPA's Dream Gap tour and Showcase. The area's passion for women's sports is evident, and Leonsis sees an opportunity to capitalize on this interest.
In conclusion, Ted Leonsis' willingness to bring a women's hockey team to Washington, DC, is a significant development in the growth of women's sports. However, the ownership structure of the PWHL remains a hurdle. If the league is willing to adapt, Leonsis' vision of DC as the 'capital of women's professional sports' could become a reality, providing a platform for women's hockey and other sports to thrive in the region.
