Historic Inaugural Northern Super League Match goes Tonight in Vancouver

By Sebastian Ronquillo Pinera

Canada’s first professional women’s soccer league debuts on 16 April with Vancouver Rise FC hosting Calgary Wild FC at BC Place in the inaugural Northern Super League (NSL) match.

The long-awaited launch of the NSL begins tonight at 10 p.m. ET, bringing a new era of domestic professional soccer to Canadian women. The season opener in Vancouver marks the first of 75 regular-season matches.

Six teams — Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and Halifax — will compete in a single-table format through to the final on November 15. Each team will play 25 games, with the top four advancing to two-leg semifinals before the championship.

The importance of the league is not lost on Canadian Women’s National Team coach Casey Stoney.

“The NSL’s importance is massive. I was part of the FA WSL when it launched in England back in 2011, and it was established to support the National Team. Ten years later – no coincidence – they won the Euros. I know how important it is to have a league in your home country; it builds communities around the teams, grows the fan base, and ensures that young players have a platform to develop and progress through the pathway without having to go elsewhere. I believe that’s essential for the future of our game in Canada.”

Casey Stoney

Seventeen Canadians are set to play in tonight’s opener, including Vancouver veteran midfielder Quinn and Calgary winger Christie Gray. In total, 87 of the league’s 132 signed players are Canadian. Each roster can carry up to 25 players, including a maximum of eight international signings.

Former CANWNT and current Halifax Tides goalkeeper Erin McLeod is one of many Canadian talents who will play a pivotal role in the league’s inaugural season.

“We’ve got Casey Stoney, and she’s going to be a huge advocate for this league,” said McLeod. “The timing of this is necessary if we want to continue to be in the conversation of the best teams in the world.”

The league aims to be as visible as it is historic. TSN will air 20 games nationally, CBC will carry eight and a “Game of the Week” will stream on CBC Gem and NSL.ca. TSN+ and NSL.ca will also stream 24 additional matches.

French-language broadcasts will cover all Montreal Roses games, with 21 matches on RDS and four matches airing on Radio-Canada.

“Being a part of something from the start, from the ground up, in your home country, to inspire the next generation, in a league that puts players first — who wouldn’t want to do that?” said Tanya Boychuk, forward for Montreal.

The NSL also promises more than just opportunities for players.

“This league is creating opportunities for Canadians to be a part of sport in any way they want,” said Diana Matheson, NSL co-founder.

Ottawa, Calgary and Halifax will each play 13 home matches and 12 away, while Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver will each play 12 at home and 13 away.

With its April launch aligning with Canada’s preparations for the Paris 2024 Olympics, the NSL is looking to grow the domestic player pool — and spotlight a new generation of Canadian athletes.