Toronto, ON (April 4, 2024) – Project 8 is excited to announce that six women’s clubs have officially submitted applications to Canada Soccer, seeking professional club admission in the upcoming 2024 Annual Members Meeting. This milestone brings Project 8 closer to realizing the launch of Canada’s first professional women’s soccer league in 2025.
Announcements of the three clubs joining those previously announced in Vancouver, Calgary, and Toronto, and founding partners Canadian Tire Corporation, CIBC, DoorDash and Air Canada are anticipated in the coming days and weeks.
“It’s been an incredibly rewarding journey building this league over the past year – and we’re committed to keeping fans updated” says Diana Matheson, CEO and Co-Founder of Project 8. “We started with the belief that there were partners and investors who would recognize the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build a women’s pro soccer league that would not only change the pathways and futures of Canadian players but reshape the Canadian sport industry and its fans. Over this past year, that belief has shifted to reality. An incredible group of individuals, who will be introducing themselves over the coming weeks, have stepped up as partners and owners. I am deeply humbled by the support we’ve received from leaders across Canada and throughout the soccer community.”
Approval from Canada Soccer’s membership will pave the way for a successful league launch and conversations continue with additional potential markets as we look forward to 2025 and beyond. As the league prepares for launch, Canadians can expect to see the League brand, club brands, and further partner announcements in the coming weeks and months, with player signings and ticket pre-sales slated to begin in the summer.
“The unveiling of our league and club brands marks another pivotal moment in our journey, and we can’t wait to share the launch details with our fans in the coming weeks,” said Matheson. “These brands represent our identity, our values, and our aspirations. As we prepare for this significant reveal, we’re reminded of the unity and strength within our community. Our league and its identity symbolize our collective ambition to elevate women’s soccer to new heights.”
Follow us @project8sports on social media and subscribe to our newsletter at project8.ca to be part of this groundbreaking journey towards a new era in Canadian sports.
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About Project 8 Sports Inc.
Founded by fellow Smith School of Business MBA’s Diana Matheson and Thomas Gilbert, Project 8 Sports Inc. aims to push the bounds of what’s possible. They have started with sport by developing Canada’s first and only professional womens’ soccer league. The league has a business model and vision for the future. It’s built by players and supporters of the beautiful game with best practices from around the world, and aims to further Canadian excellence in sport and gender equity.
Media Contact:
Sara Callaway, APEX PR