Government of Canada to support Northern Super League’s inaugural championship event
News release
Northern Super League’s three-day championship event in November to celebrate women’s sports and fans
July 18, 2025 – Toronto, Ontario
Across Canada, sports tourism serves as a cornerstone in strengthening local economies and elevating communities. Sport brings people together, fostering a sense of community and shared pride while attracting diverse audiences and showcasing all that Canada has to offer. Currently in its inaugural season, the Northern Super League (NSL), Canada’s first and only Tier 1 professional women’s soccer league, represents a transformative step forward for women’s sports across the country.
Today, on behalf of the Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), the Honourable Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport), announced an investment of $180,000 for the Northern Super League (NSL) towards this year’s NSL Final, hosted on November 15 at 2:00 p.m. at BMO Field in Toronto.
Marking a historic moment for Canadian sports and women’s soccer, the championship game will take place during a three-day celebration featuring new fan-focused events and interactive experiences. The NSL Final will be a celebration of Canadian sports, community, and economic growth, welcoming both domestic and international visitors.
The Government of Canada is growing the tourism sector by investing in tourism attractions, promoting outdoor experiences, growing Indigenous tourism and attracting major international events.
Quotes
“Our government is proud to support organizations like Northern Super League as they attract visitors, showcase Canadian talent and deliver exciting events and experiences in Toronto and across southern Ontario. I’m honoured to have my friend and colleague, Adam van Koeverden, the Secretary of State for Sport, announce this support for the upcoming NSL Final, on my behalf, which will bring together fans and athletes in Toronto in November.”
– The Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
“By investing in sport, we are not only fostering healthy and inclusive communities but building a stronger, more resilient economy for all Canadians. The NSL Final this November will continue to raise the profile of women in sport, while showcasing our worldclass talent and welcoming visitors to Toronto.”
– The Honourable Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport)
“This moment is for the players, coaches and clubs who have given everything to build this league from the ground up — the long days, the early mornings, and the sacrifices they’ve made, all with one goal in mind: to win the NSL Final. The Final is our chance to celebrate everything they’ve accomplished and to show the world what our athletes are truly capable of. It will be a historic moment — but also the start of something even bigger. We can’t wait to share it with Canadians.”
– Diana Matheson, Founder & Chief Growth Officer, Northern Super League
Quick facts
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The Northern Super League is Canada’s first professional women’s soccer league with six founding clubs: Halifax Tides FC, Montreal Roses FC, Ottawa Rapid FC, AFC Toronto, Calgary Wild FC and Vancouver Rise FC. Built by players and supporters, the League is rooted in global best practices and strives to champion Canadian excellence in sport, equity, and inclusion.
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The Tourism Growth Program was launched in November 2023 with $108 million in federal funding over three years. The program supports local tourism development and is delivered by the Regional Development Agencies. In southern Ontario, FedDev Ontario is delivering over $30 million through the program.
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Since 2015, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has invested nearly $400 million in more than 950 tourism projects.
Associated links
Contacts
Sofia Ouslis
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Artificial Intelligence, Digital Innovation and the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
sofia.ouslis@ised-isde.gc.ca
Media Relations
FedDev Ontario
media@feddevontario.gc.ca
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