Winnipeg will soon be home to Canada’s newest professional women’s soccer team.

The NSL announced Tuesday that Winnipeg has been awarded the league’s seventh franchise, which is expected to debut in 2027.

Winnipeg native and Olympic gold medallist Desiree Scott co-founded the club alongside Rob Gale, who most recently served as head coach of the Portland Thorns in the National Women’s Soccer League and as a former Canada Soccer youth national team coach. Scott will step in as vice president, while Gale will take on the role of Chief Sporting Officer. 

“It is an honour to bring professional women’s soccer of this calibre to Winnipeg and to join a trailblazing organization like the Northern Super League,” said Desiree Scott, vice president, community & player experience. “As a former player, I know exactly what an elite sporting environment looks like and what athletes need to succeed. We are building a club rooted in the community, backed by a premier development pathway, and ready to compete from our very first whistle in 2027.”

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League continues to grow

Following a successful first season, Winnipeg becomes the latest addition to the growing league. Expanding from six to seven teams creates a balanced competition and marks another milestone in the growth of professional women’s soccer in Canada.

Work is already underway to build a world-class roster in time for the team’s 2027 debut.

“Winnipeg is a passionate city that thrives on an underdog mentality, and we are here to destroy any doubt about what this community deserves,” said Rob Gale, chief sporting officer and co-founder. “Having coached at both the international level and in the NWSL, I see the massive momentum behind women’s sports right now. We aren’t just building a team; we are constructing a spectacular fan experience and a lasting soccer legacy that will rival any major city. We need the entire community to dig deep, show up, and help us write this next chapter.”

Fans can join early

More than 3,000 fans have already signed a petition indicating their support for the new Club and have access to purchase their season ticket deposit. The general public will have access to season ticket deposits starting Friday at 10 a.m.

The official venue and stadium arrangements have not yet been announced.