ANN ARBOR, MI – In response to growing demand from community and university stakeholders, the University of Michigan in 2024 partnered with CSA to conduct a feasibility study to examine the viability of adding a varsity women’s ice hockey program to the school’s sport portfolio.
CSA Vice President for Consulting Brad Bates: “Working with the University of Michigan was a true partnership. Starting with the leadership of Warde Manuel and Rob Rademacher, their objectivity and sincerity was clear, access to data made readily available, engagement with key stakeholders and campus/athletics leaders was open, and overall enthusiasm for the project was contagious.”
Project Scope: Conduct a feasibility study on the viability of adding a varsity women’s ice hockey program. Study will include an analysis of the current landscape, including the impact of the House settlement and the potential for revenue sharing; a review of peer programs and the state of the sport at the youth, collegiate and post-collegiate levels; projected expenses and revenues; facilities considerations and recommendations.
Project Partners: Dr. Brad Bates and Clay Pfeifler (CSA), Morris Kurtz and Sean Hogan (College Hockey Inc.), Kevin Westgarth (National Hockey League – NHL), and JLG Architects.
“This project was a true partnership between the University of Michigan and CSA. In addition, including the National Hockey League and College Hockey Inc. spotlights the high level of expertise and thoughtfulness exhibited throughout the process and the desire to include multiple lens’ of expertise.”
Brad Bates
Vice President, Consulting, CSA Search & Consulting
Read more:
Will Michigan launch a varsity women’s hockey team? Here’s what the feasibility study says
Michigan’s next steps and costs to adding a Division I women’s hockey team
New Arena Possibility Mentioned in Michigan Feasibility Study