It is turning out to be a banner time for women’s professional sports with the announcement of that an all-Canadian women’s pro soccer league will be on the pitch next spring.
The Northern Super League will debut in April 2025, with clubs in six cities across Canada.
The announcement follows the awarding of a women’s National Basketball Association team for Toronto and the massively successful launch of the Professional Women’s Hockey League which includes an Ottawa franchise. The final and fifth game of the PWHL playoff goes tonight in the Boston area where Minnesota and Boston will face off for the Walter Cup, named for Mark, Kimora and Samantha Walter — the billionaire family bankrolling the PWHL.
Ottawa and Montreal will be have pro-level women’s soccer franchises in addition to previously mentioned clubs from Halifax, Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver, a media release said.
Former Canadian Olympian and national team player, Diane Matheson, said in the release: “We are thrilled to announce this update to soccer fans across Canada as we take a big step toward our season opener in April 2025.”
Matheson is the CEO and co-Founder of what is now the NSL.
“After years without a professional women’s domestic soccer league, the Northern Super League and its six founding clubs will fill a significant void in Canada and bring about meaningful change coast to coast,” she added.
“We are proud to launch with a name that will instill pride in all those who play and love the game. With a brand that is fresh, we welcome all who want to be a part of this exciting moment in Canadian sports history.”
The league is slated to operate a 25-game regular season, followed by playoffs and a national championship in fall 2025. NSL says its salary structure will be aligned with established leagues from around the world.
In the coming weeks announcements are expected about player signings, executives for the six teams and a game schedule.
