Pro women’s soccer coming to Winnipeg with NSL expansion club for 2027 - The Globe and Mail
Winnipeg Joins Northern Super League
Winnipeg has been granted the seventh franchise in the Northern Super League, with the new professional women’s soccer team set to begin play in the 2027 season. The announcement was made on Tuesday, confirming the city’s entry into the league as its first expansion team. This development follows the league’s inaugural season in 2025.
The club’s co-founders are Desiree Scott, a former player for the Canadian women’s national team, and Rob Gale, who previously coached the Portland Thorns of the National Women’s Soccer League and was a Canada Soccer youth national team coach. Scott will serve as the vice-president of community and player experience, while Gale will take on the role of chief sporting officer.
Desiree Scott, an Olympic gold medallist and four-time Olympian, expressed that she never imagined such an opportunity during her playing career. She emphasized that the league aims to provide a pathway for athletes who previously lacked professional opportunities in Canada. Scott confirmed she will not be returning to play, focusing instead on her role in the front office.
Rob Gale, who helped establish Valour FC in Winnipeg as part of the Canadian Premier League, described the chance to build the province’s first women’s professional team as a significant privilege. The team’s official name, crest, colours, and home venue are expected to be announced in the coming months.
Community and League Vision
Christina Litz, the league president and a Winnipeg native, noted that the league’s expansion strategy aimed to include a team further west or centrally to broaden its national presence. She highlighted Winnipeg’s consistent interest in hosting a team, stating that the city, despite being a sports hub, was missing professional women’s sports.
A recent $30-million investment from APEX, a European athlete-backed sports private equity firm, has contributed to the league’s rapid expansion. This capital infusion has facilitated the launch of the Winnipeg team. The league aims to add an eighth team by 2028.
The Winnipeg club will be primarily owned by the league, with an independent management team led by Gale and Scott overseeing its operations. A local minority ownership group holds a 30 per cent stake in the franchise. The co-founders view the team as a means to develop local talent and serve as a cultural centre for Winnipeg’s diverse communities.
Scott articulated the vision for the team as one for and by Manitobans, encouraging community involvement and support. Gale emphasized creating a unique game day experience, noting that soccer is the most participated and supported sport in Canada, and this league provides a platform for women to excel.
Season ticket deposits for the new Winnipeg team opened for presale on Tuesday and will become available to the general public on Friday at 11 a.m. ET.
Impact on Local Soccer
The announcement generated a sense of pride and excitement among local soccer enthusiasts. Several attendees at the announcement event, including young players and parents, expressed enthusiasm for the new opportunities the team will create.
Young players from FC Northwest, such as Everleigh McLaughlin and Lyla Lagimodiere, shared their excitement about having a professional team in Winnipeg, seeing it as a potential pathway for their own soccer journeys. Parents also noted the importance of the team in motivating young girls to continue in sports.
The establishment of the Winnipeg franchise is seen as a significant step in providing professional opportunities for athletes without requiring them to leave Manitoba. The league’s president, Christina Litz, reiterated the league’s commitment to inspiring the next generation of players and fostering Canadian talent across the country.
The Northern Super League launched in 2025 with founding clubs located in Calgary, Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, and Vancouver.
Source: theglobeandmail.com
