NSL Player Agreements Set Benchmark with Guaranteed Contracts, Minimum Salary, and Comprehensive Benefits

Toronto, ON (Oct. 21, 2024) – The Northern Super League, Canada’s first professional women’s soccer league, is proud to announce the signing of its first players, marking a historic moment for soccer in Canada. The first player to sign with a Club in the Northern Super League was striker Jade Kovacevic with AFC Toronto, followed by midfielder Charlotte Bilbault and goalkeeper Gabrielle Lambert both signing with Montreal Roses FC.

 The Northern Super League also shared details of its Standard Player Agreement, which sets a new benchmark in professional women’s soccer and features benefits that rank among the top leagues worldwide.

 Key Highlights of the Northern Super League Standard Player Contract:

• Guaranteed contract terms for player security.
• A minimum salary of $50,000 CND, with no maximum salary cap for designated players. This provides competitive compensation, ranking among the top global leaders.
• No draft and no trades without player consent, ensuring athletes have complete control over their careers, with free agency granted following the expiration of contracts.
• Comprehensive mental health services and maternity/fertility benefits designed to meet and exceed the standards set by FIFA and ensure players' well-being.
• Player contracts will count towards a Club’s $1.6 million salary cap.

 Diana Matheson, Chief Growth Officer of the Northern Super League, hailed the inaugural player unveilings as a landmark achievement for the league and Canadian soccer: "This is a milestone day for the Northern Super League and for women's soccer in Canada. Signing our first players, Jade, Charlotte, and Gabrielle, celebrates the achievement of a vision we've had for years—to create a professional environment where players can thrive personally and professionally. Our Standard Player Agreement  reflects our commitment to giving athletes the respect, security and support they deserve with a player-first approach from day one.”

Meet the Inaugural Norther Super League Players:

Jade Kovacevic - AFC Toronto

• A standout striker from London, Ontario, Kovacevic has represented Canada at the U17 and U20 FIFA Women’s World Cups and excelled at Louisiana State University.
• The 30-year old made history abroad as the top scorer for Roma Calcio Femminile in Italy and GYŐRI ETO FC in Hungary.
• Back in Canada, she holds the all-time scoring record in League1 Ontario with over 170 goals, earning five Golden Boot awards and four MVP titles.

Charlotte Bilbault – Montreal Roses

• A versatile midfielder from Saint-Doulchard, France, Bilbault brings a wealth of experience from top-flight French clubs, including Montpellier, Paris FC, and Bordeaux.
• Over her extensive career, the 34-year-old has earned 56 caps for the French national team, scoring two goals and competing in two FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cups.
• Her leadership and defensive tactics make her a key player for the Montreal Roses, where she is expected to be a cornerstone in the team’s success.

 Gabrielle Lambert - Montreal Roses

• A 30-year-old goalkeeper from Sainte-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Lambert brings international experience from stints with SC Freiburg in Germany’s top league, as well as St-Étienne and Montpellier in France..Lambert was a standout player at l'Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, where she earned Athlete of the Year honours and Canadian All-Star recognition.
• Her return to Quebec strengthens the Montreal Roses' defence with her leadership and top-tier shot-stopping abilities.

 The Northern Super League is committed to providing an athlete-first environment where players are empowered and supported both on and off the field. These signings represent the beginning of an exciting chapter for women's soccer in Canada.

 About the Northern Super League

Northern Super League is a new Canadian professional women’s soccer league, which currently consists of six clubs in key Canadian markets and is set to kick off in spring of 2025. The league is built by players and supporters of the beautiful game with best practices from around the world and aims to further Canadian excellence in sport, equity and inclusion. For only $50/seat, sports fans across the country can now secure their seats for the inaugural season of the Northern Super League. For more information and updates on the Northern Super League, please visit www.NSL.ca 

Media Contact: 

Greg McIsaac

Junction Communications 

greg@junctioncommunications.com

416-458-3591