Canada’s Northern Super League is adding Winnipeg as its 7th franchise for the 2027 season
July 15 – Winnipeg, Manitoba, will be home to the team’s seventh team in Canada’s top women’s league. The club will begin play in the 2027 season.
Founded by former Canadian international Desiree Scott, who will become the club’s Vice President, Community & Player Experience, and Rob Gale, who will serve as Chief Sporting Officer, the club’s ownership structure includes a 30% ownership stake in the area made up of community partners and local private investors. More partners are still wanted.
“It’s an honor to bring professional women’s soccer of this caliber to Winnipeg and to join such a dynamic organization like the Northern Super League,” said Desiree Scott, Vice President, Community and Player Experience. “As a former player, I know very well what a high-level sporting environment is like and what athletes need to succeed. We are building a club that is rooted in the community, supported by a cutting-edge development approach, and ready to compete from our first climb in 2027.”
Winnipeg joins founding NSL clubs Calgary Wild FC, Halifax Tides FC, Montréal Roses FC, Ottawa Rapid FC, AFC Toronto, and Vancouver Rise FC. Eight franchises are expected to be awarded for the 2027 season.
The NSL recently received a C$20 million ($14.1 million) investment in a minority stake that valued 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).
The NSL recently completed its first season with around 275,000 fans attending 80 league games, placing it among the most attended women’s leagues in the world, ahead of other major European women’s leagues including Spain’s Liga F and France’s Première Ligue.
The NSL said league-wide revenue exceeds CAD$30 million before any media rights money.
Winnipeg had more than 3,000 fans sign a petition showing their support for the new club, and launched a $50/seat season ticket campaign.
No stadium or training facilities for the club have been officially announced but the community-owned Ralph Cantafio Soccer Complex is in the running for a $600,000 grant from the City of Winnipeg to help the Winnipeg Soccer Federation install new turf and lighting. Reports say that the club’s ownership group is financing the extensive development of the facility.
“Winnipeg is a passionate city that thrives on misogyny, and we’re here to dispel any doubts about what this community deserves,” added Rob Gale, sports executive and co-founder.
“Having coached internationally and in the NWSL (Portland Thorns), I see a lot of momentum in women’s sports right now. We’re not just building a team, we’re building an amazing fan experience and a lasting soccer legacy that will rival any big city. We need the entire community to dig deep, show up, and help us write this next chapter.”
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