Winnipeg Welcomes Professional Women’s Soccer
Winnipeg is set to welcome its first professional women’s sports team, a new franchise in the Northern Super League (NSL). This expansion marks the seventh franchise for Canada’s growing professional women’s soccer league. The team is scheduled to debut in spring 2027.
The announcement was made on Tuesday, with Olympic gold medalist Desiree Scott playing a key role in bringing the team to her hometown. Scott, known as “The Destroyer” during her playing career, has been a vocal advocate for a professional women’s team in Winnipeg and has actively spearheaded the initiative over the past year. She emphasized the collective effort required, noting, “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.”
Desiree Scott will serve as the Vice President of Community and Player Experience for the new franchise. She co-founded the team alongside Rob Gale, a prominent figure in the local soccer scene. Gale previously held roles as the inaugural head coach and general manager for Valour FC, Winnipeg’s professional men’s club, for parts of four seasons. He will take on the role of Chief Sporting Officer for the new NSL team.
Gale expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “What an absolute privilege. How do you say no to that opportunity?” He highlighted the unique chance to build a club from the ground up, an opportunity he described as occurring “twice-in-a-lifetime” for him in Winnipeg.
Community Support and League Vision
The expansion into Winnipeg received strong endorsement from NSL President Christina Litz. Litz indicated that Winnipeg stood out among several cities considered for expansion in central or western Canada, a search that began last fall. She pointed to the city’s strong desire for a team, evidenced by a sold-out screening of “The Pitch” at the Canadian Museum of Human Rights in January, which showcased significant enthusiasm from parents and young soccer players.
The involvement of Desiree Scott and Rob Gale was also a key factor for Litz, who believes their leadership will ensure the club meets the high standards the league aims to establish. The league is also committed to adding an eighth team by 2028. The Manitoba Soccer Association and Winnipeg Soccer Federation have also offered their support, further solidifying Winnipeg as a suitable market.
The NSL recently secured a significant investment of $30 million from European sports firm Apex. Additionally, a local minority group has acquired a 30 per cent stake in the Winnipeg franchise. Discussions are ongoing with various levels of government to secure further funding for the team.
The league’s momentum is evident from its inaugural season, where its six original franchises—Halifax, Montreal, Toronto, Calgary, Ottawa, and Vancouver—generated over $30 million in league-wide revenue. The inaugural season also saw 275,000 fans attend matches, with further growth anticipated for 2026.
Impact and Future Plans
The new team, currently referred to as NSL Winnipeg, has yet to receive an official name, logo, or colour scheme. These branding details are expected to be announced at a later date. The team’s debut in spring 2027 will mark a new chapter for women’s sports in the region.
Desiree Scott‘s personal commitment to the league is highlighted by her decision to come out of retirement to play for the Ottawa Rapid in the NSL‘s inaugural season. This experience has given her firsthand knowledge of the league’s product. She believes the new Winnipeg team will create a pathway for local female talent, allowing them to progress from grassroots levels to professional sport, an opportunity she wished she had during her own upbringing.
Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham emphasized the significance of this development, stating that a professional women’s team in the city is “long overdue.” He highlighted the particular importance of a soccer team with a local hero like Desiree Scott involved, calling it an “extra special” day for young girls and families in Winnipeg.
Despite the recent cessation of operations for Valour FC, the city’s professional men’s team, the founders and league officials remain optimistic. They cite the success of other professional sports teams in Winnipeg, such as the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Winnipeg Jets, and Winnipeg Sea Bears, as well as the strong support shown when the Professional Women’s Hockey League played a game in the city in March. The exact location where the team will play its matches remains undetermined, though the city agreed to provide $600,000 towards upgrading the Ralph Cantafio Soccer Complex last month.
Read Also
Source: winnipegfreepress.com
Chloe Tremblay is the Sports Reporter at CasinoNews, covering basketball, tennis and athletics with nine years of reporting experience. She reported on the Raptors' rise and two Olympic cycles. She holds a degree in Journalism from Concordia University. Based in Montreal, she plays recreational basketball and follows track athletics. “The best stories come from the athletes everyone overlooks.”
