PWHL executive says fast-paced growth reflects surging demand and is validated by new investors

PWHL executive Stan Kasten said the goal all along was to begin taking on outside investors once the league doubled in size in reaching 12 teams.The only flaw in the projection was Kasten — and most everyone else — never anticipating getting there after just three seasons.“We thought we’d get there in Year 10 or 12,” said the 74-year-old Kasten, whose resume includes executive roles with teams in major league baseball, the NBA and NHL. “And here we are after two-and-a-half years. It’s extraordinary.”The PWHL’s fast-paced growth reflects surges in attendance, sales and viewership, particularly after the U.S. won gold at the Milan Cortina Games. And the upward trajectory so far belies concerns that the league is taking on too much, too soon.“I want to hear the case for going slower. I can’t imagine it,” Kasten told The Associated Press.

Though the PWHL has yet to turn a profit, Kasten said its expansion plan and business model are validated by fan support. And it’s reflected in the confidence of the business community, with the Detroit-based Ilitch Cos. and Toronto-based Kilmer Sports Ventures coming on board as the first outside investors.

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