Winnipeg’s first pro women’s team will be in the Northern Super League - Winnipeg Free Press
Winnipeg welcomes professional women’s soccer
Winnipeg is set to welcome its first professional women’s sports team, a new expansion franchise in the Northern Super League (NSL). The announcement marks the seventh franchise for Canada’s professional women’s soccer league, with the team slated to debut in spring 2027.
Desiree Scott, an Olympic gold medallist and Winnipeg native, played a key role in bringing the team to her hometown. Known as “The Destroyer” during her playing career, Scott has now transitioned into a builder role, spearheading the movement for a professional women’s team in Winnipeg over the past year. She will serve as the Vice President of Community and Player Experience for the new club.
Scott emphasized the collaborative effort behind this achievement, stating, “It took a lot of people believing in the potential of this city. It took a lot of people who love the sport and want to grow it here in the province.” She highlighted the goal of creating opportunities for future generations in the sport.
The expansion initiative was led by two Winnipeggers, Scott and Rob Gale. Gale, who previously served as the inaugural head coach and general manager for Valour FC, the city’s professional men’s club, will take on the role of Chief Sporting Officer. Gale expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity to build a club from the ground up.
Christina Litz, President of the NSL, noted Winnipeg’s strong desire for a team from the outset of the league’s expansion search. The NSL had announced last fall its intention to expand into central or western Canada. Litz mentioned that a sold-out screening of “The Pitch” at the Canadian Museum of Human Rights in January, attended by enthusiastic parents and soccer kids, helped solidify Winnipeg as the first expansion city. The involvement of Scott and Gale further assured the league of the high standards the club would uphold.
The new Winnipeg team, currently referred to as NSL Winnipeg, will announce its official name, logo, and colour scheme at a later date. The expansion follows a recent $30 million investment in the NSL from European sports firm Apex. A local minority group has also acquired a 30 per cent stake in the franchise, and discussions are ongoing with various levels of government for additional funding.
Impact and future outlook
Scott believes that the new team will tap into an existing pool of female talent in Winnipeg, providing a pathway from grassroots soccer to professional sport. She noted that the new team will bring attention to the province and the prairies, allowing people to see the talent available in the region.
Despite the recent cessation of operations for Valour FC, Scott, Gale, and Litz remain confident in the success of the new women’s team. They pointed to the strong support for other professional sports teams in the city, such as the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Winnipeg Jets, and Winnipeg Sea Bears. The city also demonstrated significant enthusiasm when the Professional Women’s Hockey League hosted a game in March.
Scott highlighted the unique market for women’s sports. She emphasized that the commitment from the league level down, with individuals dedicated to the team’s success, is a significant factor. The NSL itself has generated momentum, with its six original franchises in Halifax, Montreal, Toronto, Calgary, Ottawa, and Vancouver generating over $30 million in league-wide revenue and attracting 275,000 fans in its inaugural season.
Mayor Scott Gillingham welcomed the announcement, stating that a professional women’s team, particularly a soccer team with local hero Desiree Scott involved, is long overdue. He described it as an important day for young girls, all young players, and families in Winnipeg.
The location for the team’s home matches is yet to be determined. The city previously agreed to provide $600,000 towards upgrading the Ralph Cantafio Soccer Complex to support a professional team, though it has not been confirmed if NSL Winnipeg will play there or when.
Source: winnipegfreepress.com
