The Northern Super League is making final preparations for its big launch, with all six clubs revealing their kits on Thursday. This exciting milestone brings Canada's new women's professional soccer league one step closer to its April 16 debut, when Calgary's Wild FC will visit Vancouver Rise FC at BC Place.
"It's amazing going to these different markets and seeing how much things have progressed," said league president Christina Litz during the reveal at Calgary's McMahon Stadium. "An event like today is another sign to the market that we're coming and we're real."
The league features six founding clubs from across Canada: Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver. Each team will play 25 matches between April and October, with the top four advancing to the playoffs.
Just three days after the Vancouver opener, AFC Toronto will host Montreal Roses FC at BMO Field. These early fixtures will be crucial in establishing the league's fanbase and generating momentum for the inaugural season.
Building a Strong Foundation
The NSL has been busy securing major sponsorships, with WestJet, Coca-Cola, Toyota, and Intact Insurance recently joining existing partners Canadian Tire, Sportchek, DoorDash, and Westland Insurance. This financial backing gives the league stability as it launches.
Broadcast arrangements are also in place with TSN, CBC, RDS, Radio-Canada, and NSL.ca, ensuring fans can follow their teams. This visibility will be vital for attracting viewers and building a dedicated following.
"I don't doubt people will watch. I know people will watch," said Afghan-Canadian midfielder Farkhunda Muhtaj of Toronto, who was Wild FC's first player signing.
The league's minimum salary will be $50,000 with one designated player whose salary won't count against a $1.6-million cap. Teams can have up to eight international players, but a key goal is keeping Canadian talent playing at home.
Excitement Building in Host Cities
Calgary's Wild FC, which will be Alberta's only women's pro sports team, will share McMahon Stadium with the CFL's Stampeders. The stadium is being retrofitted with a FIFA-approved pitch and renovated locker rooms to accommodate both sports.
Wild FC's home opener on May 11 against Ottawa Rapid FC will be a major test of local support. CEO Lara Murphy is pushing hard to fill the east stands for that crucial first match.
"We need people to buy tickets, whether it's through their schools, communities, workplaces, or just for their families," Murphy explained. "We're pleased with progress, but we need to keep pushing to get the word out."
For bettors looking ahead to the season, these early matches will offer intriguing opportunities. With no previous head-to-head records to analyze, smart money might focus on teams with the strongest squad depth and most experienced internationals.
The league's success will depend on fan turnout and engagement, but Litz cautions that building a sustainable women's league takes time. "We're in this for the long haul, and growth takes time," she said, comparing the journey to the PWHL and WNBA, which took years to reach their current status.
