Northern Super League lands up to $30 million investment for expansion
The Calgary Wild are among six clubs benefiting as the women's soccer league secures major new funding heading into its second season.
Why it matters
The funding and expansion signal growing stability for the Calgary Wild and Canada's fledgling women's pro soccer league.
The Northern Super League, Canada's first professional women's soccer league, has attracted a major financial boost in its second year as it expands beyond its original six teams, which include the Calgary Wild.
London-based sports investment firm APEX has committed up to $30 million to the league, adding to the $5.45 million pledged by the federal government last year on the day of the NSL's first championship. The league also announced a seventh team will launch in Winnipeg in 2027, co-founded by former national team player Desiree Scott.
The NSL launched last year with the Halifax Tides, Montreal Roses, Calgary Wild, Ottawa Rapid, AFC Toronto and Vancouver Rise, filling a gap after Canada was one of only two countries at the 2023 Women's World Cup without a domestic pro league. Vancouver won the inaugural title over AFC Toronto in front of nearly 12,500 fans.
League president Christina Litz said the second season is focused on long-term growth and stability after the NSL met its attendance, sponsorship and broadcast targets in year one. Currently the Ottawa Rapid lead the standings two points ahead of Montreal, with the semifinals starting Oct. 31 and the final set for Nov. 14.
Compiled by the Alberta Daily Desk — an AI-written summary of reporting from the credited sources below, produced and reviewed under our editorial policy.