Northern Super League launching expansion process to add team in 2027

TORONTO - The Northern Super League has launched its expansion process to add an additional club in 2027.

The league, which kicked off play last April with teams in six Canadian markets, said Monday it has engaged with the Florida-based Whitecap Sports Group (WSG) to recruit and evaluate potential new club owners in Canada.

"The NSL has always had a steady growth strategy in mind, and the current expansion plans are a direct result of that vision, combined with an exciting and competitive first season that delivered on our expectations,” NSL president Christina Litz said in a statement.

The league said it will have a particular emphasis on markets in Central and Western Canada.

Current clubs include Calgary Wild FC, Halifax Tides FC, Montreal Roses, Ottawa Rapid FC, AFC Toronto and Vancouver Rise FC.

WSG, an international investment bank and advisory group, has previously worked with AFC Toronto and has also advised on transactions in the NWSL, WNBA, and USL Super League, the NSL said.

“The mission of the NSL is to be a top-five league in the world — rooted in community, inspiring greatness on and off the pitch,” said NSL founder and chief growth officer Diana Matheson.

“With the third-largest player pool in the world and a country that has embraced women’s sports, we are confident in our ability to fulfil this mission with an ownership group that aspires to be among the best in the world, while understanding the importance of community to the business and values of the NSL.”

WSG recently announced the launch of its women’s sports division, led by former NWSL player Chelsee Washington. NSL expansion is the first project for the new division, the league said. 

The 2025 campaign continues through Nov. 15.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 8, 2025.