Women’s professional soccer in Canada just received one of its biggest boosts yet.
The federal government has committed up to $5.45 million to support the Northern Super League (NSL) — the first fully professional women’s soccer league in the country — with funding aimed at upgrading facilities and accelerating league growth.

The announcement was made Saturday at Toronto’s BMO Field, just hours before AFC Toronto and Vancouver Rise kicked off the league’s inaugural championship match.

⚽ Why the Funding Matters

The NSL, a six-team league in its debut season, has been vocal about one major challenge:
infrastructure.

Teams have been forced to share stadiums with other tenants, creating scheduling conflicts and limiting fan-experience opportunities. The federal investment will help deliver “transformative upgrades” to stadiums and training facilities across the country — midsize soccer-specific venues the league desperately needs.

NSL president Christina Litz says the money will be distributed among clubs based on their local needs.

“Every region has different challenges,” she said.
“This funding will go directly toward improving stadium and training infrastructure.”

NSL owners will also contribute additional funding to complement the federal investment.

🇨🇦 A National Project With a Big Vision

This isn’t just about better locker rooms and more practice space.
The federal government says the funding supports:

• Community sports infrastructure

• Regional economic development

• Long-term growth of the women’s game

NSL co-founder and Canadian soccer icon Diana Matheson emphasized the league’s role in shaping the country’s future through sport.

“Women’s sport is one of the fastest-growing areas in Canada,” she said.
“We’re proud to invest in communities and build something lasting.”

The league is already planning to add a seventh team in 2027, with interest from Central and Western Canada.

🎉 A High-Profile Announcement at BMO Field

The funding reveal carried serious star power.
In attendance were:

• Evan Solomon (Minister of AI & Digital Innovation)

• Mélanie Joly

• Gregor Robertson

• Adam van Koeverden

• NSL president Christina Litz

• NSL co-founder Diana Matheson

• Canadian soccer legend Christine Sinclair

Solomon praised the league’s momentum:

“The Northern Super League is changing the game for women in sport, inspiring communities and strengthening our economy.”

This funding adds to the $180,000 FedDev Ontario previously provided to support the NSL’s inaugural championship, which was expected to draw thousands of visitors and inject new economic activity into the GTA.

🌟 A Turning Point for Women’s Soccer in Canada

Saturday’s announcement signals a major vote of confidence — not just in the NSL, but in the future of women’s sports in Canada.

With financial backing, growing fanbases, and national visibility, the league is positioned to become one of Canada’s most impactful sports projects in years.

And with Toronto hosting the league’s first-ever championship at BMO Field, the city is right at the centre of women’s soccer’s next big chapter.