The inaugural season of Canada’s Northern Super League (NSL) concluded this past weekend with a dramatic championship final, marking a landmark moment for professional women’s soccer in the country. The Vancouver Rise captured the first-ever title, defeating AFC Toronto 2-1 in a match that showcased the league’s competitive spirit and promising future.
Played before a vibrant crowd in Toronto, the final saw the Rise overcome an early deficit, with the winning goal scored by 19-year-old forward Holly Ward. The victory capped a season that has widely been hailed as a resounding success, surpassing initial projections for fan engagement and commercial viability.
From its launch, the league established ambitious benchmarks, notably creating a crucial professional pathway for Canadian talent. Of the 148 players across the league’s six founding clubs, 101 were Canadian nationals, with several earning call-ups to the senior national team during the campaign. The NSL also set a new global standard by instituting a minimum salary of C$50,000 and an average wage of C$75,000 for its athletes.
The league’s first-year metrics underscore its strong start. Total attendance surpassed 275,000, ranking it among the top women’s soccer leagues worldwide for fan turnout. Broadcast viewership reached over three million, complemented by significant digital engagement. Commercially, the league generated approximately C$30 million in revenue and secured partnerships with more than 50 organizations.
“This is precisely where we aimed to be at the end of Year One,” stated a league co-founder, reflecting on the season. “We set the bar exceptionally high, believing in Canada’s passion for women’s sport, and the response has confirmed that belief.”
The success has already catalyzed plans for growth. The Canadian government recently announced a funding commitment of up to C$5.45 million for facility upgrades for league clubs. Expansion to a seventh team is targeted for 2027, and efforts are underway to secure a place for the NSL champion in the CONCACAF W Champions Cup.
For the players, the season’s end brings a profound sense of accomplishment. “To be part of this first season, to play in the first game and now win the first championship—it feels like a perfect journey,” remarked the Rise’s captain following the final.
With a successful foundation now in place, the Northern Super League’s debut season has not only crowned a champion but has firmly established a new and exciting era for professional women’s soccer in Canada.