April 5 – Six clubs have applied to join the women’s professional soccer league in Canada providing the numbers required for launch in 2025.
Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary had already been confirmed as the first three clubs while the newest teams will be announced in the coming weeks. The six applicants will require approval from Canada Soccer, the country’s governing body. Canada’s national team are the current Olympic champions.
“An incredible group of individuals, who will be introducing themselves over the coming weeks, have stepped up as partners and owners. I am deeply humbled by the support we’ve received from leaders across Canada and throughout the soccer community,” said Diana Matheson, the CEO and co-founder of Project 8.
The league was announced in 2022 and will operate on a nationwide basis through two conferences, each comprising four teams.
Canadian media report that the franchise fee is C$1 million with a need for an estimated C$8 million to C$10 million in total invested capital over the first five seasons in addition to necessary spending on infrastructure. Owners will buy a piece of both the league as well as their franchise.
“Our league and its identity symbolize our collective ambition to elevate women’s soccer to new heights,” said Matheson.
“We started with the belief that there were partners and investors who would recognise the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build a women’s pro soccer league that would not only change the pathways and futures of Canadian players but reshape the Canadian sports industry and its fans.”
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