Ted Leonsis, the owner of Monumental Sports & Entertainment, is open to bringing a women's hockey team to Washington, D.C., 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 is already a vocal supporter of women's sports, sees an opportunity to make Washington, D.C., the 'capital of women's professional sports.'
In an interview with WTOP's Ben Raby, Leonsis expressed his enthusiasm for hosting women's hockey games at Capital One Arena and potentially bringing a team to the city permanently. He believes the DC area could become the 'women's professional sports capital of the world' and wants to play a leading role in this movement. The recent record-breaking attendance at the PWHL game between the Montreal Victoire and the New York Sirens in January further fueled this ambition.
However, Leonsis acknowledges the challenges, including the need for renovations at Capital One Arena and the current ownership structure of the PWHL, where all teams are owned by the Mark Walter Group. He suggests that the league would need to change its ownership model before he could actively pursue bringing a team to DC. This flexibility in ownership is a key factor in Leonsis' willingness to consider the move.
The DC area's interest in women's hockey is evident, with the recent record-breaking attendance at the PWHL game. Leonsis' support for women's sports is well-documented, and he has previously expressed his desire to replicate the success of Monumental Sports & Entertainment with women's teams in various sports. This includes the WNBA's Washington Mystics, which he already owns.
In summary, Ted Leonsis is open to bringing a women's hockey team to Washington, D.C., but is waiting for the right conditions, particularly regarding ownership structure. His passion for women's sports and the city's enthusiasm for hosting a team make this a compelling prospect for the future of women's hockey in the nation's capital.
