July 15 \u2013 Winnipeg, Manitoba, will be the location of the seventh club franchise in Canada\u2019s top tier women\u2019s league. The club will begin play in the 2027 season.<\/p>\n
Founded by former Canadian international Desiree Scott, who will be the club\u2019s Vice President, Community & Player Experience, and Rob Gale, who will serve as Chief Sporting Officer, the club ownership structure includes a 30% local ownership stake composed of community partners and local private investors. Further partners are being sought.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is an honour to bring professional women\u2019s soccer of this calibre to Winnipeg and to join a trailblazing organization like the Northern Super League,\u201d said Desiree Scott, Vice President, Community & Player Experience. \u201cAs 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Winnipeg joins founding NSL clubs Calgary Wild FC, Halifax Tides FC, Montr\u00e9al Roses FC, Ottawa Rapid FC, AFC Toronto, and Vancouver Rise FC. An eight franchise is expected to be awarded for the 2027 season.<\/p>\n
The NSL recently secured a C$20 million ($14.1 million) investment for a minority stake that values the league at C$85 million ($60 million), from private equity firm Apex. Apex has an option to increase its investment to C$30 million ($21.1 million).<\/p>\n
The NSL has just completed its inaugural season with about 275,000 supporters attending the league\u2019s 80 matches, placing it among the best-attended women\u2019s leagues in the world, ahead of some of Europe\u2019s big women\u2019s leagues including Spain\u2019s Liga F and France\u2019s Premi\u00e8re Ligue.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The NSL said its league-wide revenues surpassed CAD$30 million before any media rights income had been realised.<\/p>\n
Winnipeg has had more than 3,000 supporters sign a petition indicating their support for the new club, and has launched a season ticket deposit campaign for $50\/seat.<\/p>\n
No stadium or training facilities for the club have officially been announced but publicly owned Ralph Cantafio Soccer Complex is in line for a $600,000 grant from the City of Winnipeg to help the Winnipeg Soccer Federation install new artificial turf and lighting. Reports are that the team\u2019s ownership group is funding a broader upgrade to the facility.<\/p>\n
\u201cWinnipeg is a passionate city that thrives on an underdog mentality, and we are here to destroy any doubt about what this community deserves,\u201d added Rob Gale, chief sporting officer and co-founder.<\/p>\n
\u201cHaving coached at both the international level and in the NWSL (Portland Thorns), I see the massive momentum behind women\u2019s sports right now. We aren\u2019t 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.\u201d<\/p>\n