Brendan Dunlop (writer), Mikayla Bergér (contributing editor)

Canadian women have been leaving their mark on the beautiful game for decades, achieving global success and earning medals on the world’s biggest stages. Now, the country’s top talent will finally have a professional league to call their own. Enter the Northern Super League (NSL), a league set to revolutionize women’s soccer in Canada.

The dream of creating a Canadian women’s professional soccer league started with London 2012 hero Diana Matheson. With a playing career that spanned two decades and included two Olympic bronze medals, Matheson experienced firsthand the challenges of having to play abroad to make a living. Inspired by her experiences, she founded Project 8 in 2022 alongside business partner Thomas Gilbert, with the ambitious goal of launching a league that would keep Canadian talent at home. Now, that dream is becoming a reality, with the NSL kicking off in April 2025.

The Northern Super League will begin with six founding clubs spread across the country, from Vancouver in the west to Halifax in the east. These teams are ready to make history, as the league aims to become one of the top five professional women’s leagues globally from the outset.

Here’s your detailed breakdown of how the NSL will operate in its inaugural season.

SIX FOUNDING CLUBS

Calgary Wild FC

Calgary’s soccer community was abuzz when Calgary Foothills SC joined Project 8 in December 2022 to create Wild FC. As one of the first cities to join Project 8, Calgary set the tone by unveiling a brand that reflects the city’s unique character and deep-rooted love for soccer. “Calgary is a massive soccer city with one of the most well-developed pathways in the country,” says Wild FC Marketing Director Kelly McGuire. For a city known for its love of sports, the arrival of a professional women’s soccer team provides inspiration for young girls to see their dreams realized, strengthening Calgary’s place in the Canadian soccer landscape.

The club’s vibrant crest, inspired by the owl—a symbol of stealth, wisdom, and precision—embodies the team’s goals on the pitch. Neon violet and red hues mirror Calgary’s stunning sunsets and iconic Calgary Tower, while a stylized ‘W’ pays homage to Alberta’s rivers, mountains, and the Famous Five. McMahon Stadium will serve as the home for Wild FC, where Calgary’s high-energy, outdoor-loving lifestyle will give the team an edge. As the only NSL team between Toronto and Vancouver, Calgary Wild FC aims to make a significant impact as the league embarks on its inaugural season, breaking new ground for women’s soccer in Canada.

Halifax Tides FC

Halifax Tides FC is poised to become the beating heart of soccer across Atlantic Canada and they’re ready to turn the tide for women’s soccer in the region. Rooted in Halifax’s rich maritime culture and community spirit, the Tides are more than just a club—they’re a movement to elevate the game in a city where soccer thrives. Led by CEO and co-founder Dr. Courtney Sherlock, a trailblazing entrepreneur from Fall River, and supported by a passionate ownership group, Halifax Tides FC has deep ties to both the local community and soccer’s long history in the province. With a fanbase eager to support, and a leadership team committed to creating opportunities for future generations, the Tides are set to make waves in Canadian sports.

The club’s nautical-inspired crest symbolizes Halifax’s connection to the Atlantic Ocean, while the colors and design reflect the province’s maritime heritage. Representing the East Coast with pride, the Tides are ready to make their mark on and off the field, creating a legacy that will inspire the next generation of talent to dream big. 

Montréal Roses FC

The first professional women’s soccer team in Québec, Montréal Roses FC has built an impressive team both on and off the field. Co-founded by Isabèle Chevalier and Jean-François Crevier, this club embodies Montreal’s distinct identity, blending passion, creativity, and a commitment to the city’s cultural diversity. With an impressive leadership team that includes former France international Marinette Pichon as sporting director and former CFL executive Annie Larouche as club president,  the Roses have a wealth of experience driving their ambitions. Their shared vision is clear—Roses FC is not only a soccer team but a symbol of the city’s resilience, rooted in Montreal's sports history and its vibrant, multicultural fabric.

The club's official branding captures the essence of Montreal. The Roses de Montréal name is inspired by the city’s official rosette, while the blue rose in the emblem reflects the creative spirit and dreams of making the impossible possible. The club’s colors—red, blue, black, gold, and white—symbolize courage, victory, and integrity, deeply connected to Montreal's heritage and sports legacy. With passionate local support, an ambitious leadership team, and an inclusive, forward-thinking identity, Montreal Roses FC is poised to make history in Quebec and elevate women’s soccer in Canada.

Ottawa Rapid FC

Ottawa is no stranger to professional sports, and Ottawa Rapid FC will build on that rich tradition. Known for its vibrant sports culture and home to teams like the NHL's Senators, the PWHL’s Charge, and Atlético Ottawa, Rapid FC is poised to tap into the city's loyal sports community. The club plans to draw on Ottawa’s rich soccer heritage, notably the legacy of the Ottawa Fury, which produced Canadian stars like Ashley Lawrence, Kadeisha Buchanan, and NSL co-founder Diana Matheson. With a leadership team that includes former Ottawa RedBlacks and Atlético Ottawa executives, the team has a vision of of cultivating the next generation of Canadian stars and is aiming to become a cornerstone in the nation’s capital, both for players and fans.

The identity of Ottawa Rapid FC, revealed in August at their new home of TD Place, embodies the city's spirit. Its badge features a Peregrine Falcon in attack mode, symbolizing speed, resilience, and the club's fighting spirit. The blue palette represents the sky and water, while neon orange accents evoke the Centennial flame, a symbol of Ottawa’s endurance.

AFC Toronto

Toronto has long been a vibrant hub for soccer, and AFC Toronto is poised to build on that rich legacy as one of the founding clubs of the Northern Super League. The club is not just about building a competitive team but also about uniting fans from various backgrounds under one banner. The leadership team is committed to making the club inclusive, accessible, and reflective of Toronto’s diversity, inviting supporters to celebrate their heritage while rallying behind the team. By providing role models and opportunities for young girls to play professionally in their hometown, AFC Toronto aims to inspire the next generation of soccer stars. The club’s presence will bring professional women’s soccer to one of North America’s most vital sports markets, cementing Toronto's status as a soccer city and offering a space for fans and players alike to thrive.

Launched in April 2023 by a women-led ownership group, AFC Toronto is deeply rooted in the local soccer scene, emerging from the successful North Toronto Soccer Club. Led by CEO Helena Ruken, COO Brenda Ha, and CMO Jill Burgin, the club's leadership has a passion for the game and a commitment to creating a professional pathway for women players. Their signature colors—“Victory Vermillion” and “Mighty Maroon”—symbolize the club’s energy, ambition, and toughness. The crest, featuring an “Anchor T” and mirrored sevens, honors the seven founders and Toronto’s original boroughs, blending the city's history with a bold new identity. York Lions Stadium, known for its intimate atmosphere, will serve as the club's home, where AFC Toronto aims to create a fortress for home matches and cultivate a deep connection with the community.

Vancouver Rise FC

Vancouver Rise FC, one of the first teams to join Project 8, has swiftly made a name for itself in Canadian soccer. With their branding and logo unveiled in August, the club is poised to become a significant force. Spearheaded by Sporting Director Stephanie Labbé, a Canadian soccer legend and Tokyo 2020 gold medalist, the team is focused on building a competitive roster ahead of their debut season. Labbé, who also leads the Vancouver Whitecaps Girls Elite program, brings a wealth of experience both as a player and mentor, making her the ideal person to shape Rise FC’s identity. She is committed to fostering an environment that supports athletes not only as players but as individuals, echoing her belief that world-class players thrive in world-class environments.

Vancouver Rise FC’s branding is a powerful emblem of empowerment and progress, featuring a crest that symbolizes the province’s natural beauty. The design incorporates the majestic mountains and radiant sun, with three peaks representing Cypress Mountain, Grouse Mountain, and Mount Seymour. The sun's six rays honor the six founding clubs of the Northern Super League. The club colors—teal, gold, and black—reflect the captivating sunsets and the depth of the Pacific Ocean. With Canadian soccer icon Christine Sinclair as a member of the ownership group alongside majority owner Greg Kerfoot, the club is deeply connected to the community and the legacy of women’s soccer in British Columbia. Sinclair's commitment to inspiring future generations adds to the club's vision of creating a world-class environment for athletes, making Vancouver Rise FC a promising new chapter in Canadian soccer.

REGULAR SEASON AND PLAYOFF FORMAT

The NSL will feature a balanced and competitive 25-match regular season per club, with each club playing home and away fixtures from April through November. This structure guarantees plenty of intense matchups and regional rivalries, with each of the five provinces represented by a team.

At the end of the regular season, the top four clubs will qualify for the NSL Playoffs, a high-stakes knockout competition. The two semi-final winners will advance to the NSL Championship, a marquee event hosted at a predetermined venue. This final match promises to be a celebration of women’s sports in Canada, drawing fans from all over the country and cementing the league’s place on the national stage.

Starting in 2026, the NSL champions will also earn the right to compete in the prestigious CONCACAF Women’s Champions Cup, pitting them against the best clubs from North and Central America, as well as the Caribbean. This exposure on the international stage will only elevate the league’s profile further.

BROADCASTING AND STREAMING

In 2025, NSL matches will be easily accessible to fans across the country, thanks to a groundbreaking broadcasting deal with TSN and CBC. These two media giants will showcase a combined number of games on linear television, meaning NSL action will be in homes, restaurants, and bars coast-to-coast.

Additionally, all matches will be available via streaming platforms on NSL, TSN, and CBC, ensuring that no fan misses a moment. French-speaking audiences will be able to catch all Montréal Roses matches on RDS and select games on Radio-Canada Sports (SRC).

SALARY CAP AND PLAYER COMPENSATION

The NSL is determined to set a new standard for player compensation in women’s soccer. Each club will operate with a $1.6 million salary cap in the inaugural season, allowing teams to assemble competitive rosters while ensuring financial stability. The cap is expected to grow within the league’s first few seasons as the NSL gains traction and revenue streams increase.

Clubs will have between 20 and 25 players on their rosters, with up to seven international players permitted per team. In addition, the NSL will implement a Designated Player rule, similar to Major League Soccer, allowing teams to sign marquee players at salaries higher than the salary cap limit.

Perhaps most impressively, the league has set a minimum salary of $50,000 for its players, a figure that is sure to turn heads internationally. For comparison, Spain’s top-flight women’s league has a minimum salary of approximately $25,000, and in Italy, it’s less than $40,000. Even in the well-established NWSL, the minimum salary falls below $50,000 USD. The NSL’s pay structure ensures that Canadian players can earn a fair and competitive wage without having to leave home.

The Northern Super League is not just a league—it’s a movement. By giving Canada’s best women’s soccer talent a platform at home, the NSL is poised to inspire the next generation and reshape the sports landscape in the country. As we countdown to kick-off in April 2025, the excitement is building, and Canadian soccer fans have every reason to be thrilled for what’s to come.