Women’s soccer in Canada is about to witness a historic milestone with the debut of the Northern Super League (NSL), the country’s first professional league, set to kick off on April 16, 2025. This ambitious project, spearheaded by former Canadian national team player Diana Matheson, aims to transform the landscape of women’s sports in Canada by providing a professional platform for local players while attracting international talent. Featuring six founding teams —Halifax Tides FC, Montreal Roses FC, Ottawa Rapid FC, AFC Toronto, Calgary Wild FC, and Vancouver Rise FC— the NSL promises to deliver competitive and exciting matches.
One of the standout figures in this historic inaugural season is Christine Sinclair, who is not only a Canadian soccer legend but also holds the title of the all-time leading international goal scorer with 190 goals in official matches for Canada’s national team. This record surpasses that of global icons like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Although Sinclair has retired from her playing career with the national team, her influence continues as a co-owner of Vancouver Rise FC, solidifying her commitment to advancing women’s soccer in Canada. Joining her are international stars such as Choo Hyo-joo at Ottawa Rapid FC and Milly Clegg at Halifax Tides FC. Additionally, Quinn, Canadian midfielder and Olympic gold medalist, will play for Vancouver Rise FC, while Desiree Scott, a veteran of the national team, brings leadership to Ottawa Rapid FC.
Broadcasting will be pivotal in bringing this groundbreaking league to audiences across Canada and beyond. Matches will air nationally on platforms such as CBC, TSN, and digital services like CBC Gem, TSN+, and the official league website, NSL.ca. Furthermore, through a landmark deal with ESPN, over 40 matches—including playoffs and the championship—will be streamed on ESPN+ for U.S. audiences, expanding the league’s global reach.
Expectations are high for this inaugural season. The Northern Super League aims not only to establish itself as a high-level competition but also to inspire future generations of players and fans. With its mix of local and international talent, community initiatives, and strong professional structure, the NSL is poised to mark a turning point in Canadian women’s soccer and position the country as a global leader in advancing women’s sports.
