OTTAWA, The Ontario government is investing $180,000 to support the 2026 Northern Super League (NSL) championship in Ottawa, with the event expected to attract more than 10,000 spectators and generate approximately $6 million in economic activity.
The championship will take place on November 14 at TD Place, bringing Canada’s professional women’s soccer season to a close while providing an economic boost to local businesses, tourism operators and the hospitality sector.
The funding forms part of Ontario’s broader strategy to attract major sporting events, strengthen sport tourism and expand opportunities for women and girls in athletics.
Northern Super League Championship Expected to Boost Ottawa Economy
The 2026 NSL Final will conclude a four-day festival celebrating women’s sports, featuring community activities, concerts and conferences alongside the championship match.
Provincial officials expect the event to support local employment and increase spending at Ottawa hotels, restaurants and other businesses serving visitors.
“The Northern Super League is creating new opportunities for women in professional sport, while inspiring the next generation of athletes,” said Brian Saunderson, Minister of Sport. “By helping bring major sporting events like this championship to Ontario, we’re showcasing the talent of our athletes, giving fans the chance to experience world-class competition and showing young girls across the country that a future career in professional women’s soccer is possible, right here at home.”
Professional Women’s Soccer Expands Across Canada
Launched in April 2025 by former Canadian professional soccer player Diana Matheson, the Northern Super League features six clubs across Canada, including teams based in Toronto and Ottawa.
The competition represents an important development in Canada’s professional sports industry, establishing a domestic platform for women’s soccer players and creating opportunities for commercial partnerships, sponsorships and fan engagement.
“Our second season and second NSL Final represent another important step in building a lasting future for women’s professional soccer in Canada,” said Christina Litz, President of the Northern Super League. “We are grateful to the Government of Ontario for helping us bring this celebration to Ottawa. This investment brings people together, supports local businesses and gives more young players the chance to see a professional future for themselves here at home. We look forward to welcoming fans to TD Place on November 14 to help us crown our 2026 champion.”
Ontario also supported the league’s inaugural championship in 2025, which was held at BMO Field in Toronto.
Ontario Announces Additional Funding for Girls’ Sport Participation
Alongside its championship investment, Ontario is providing an additional $59,000 to Canadian Women & Sport, building on a previously announced $480,000 commitment to the organization’s The Next Play initiative.
The program aims to expand affordable, inclusive sporting opportunities for more than 4,700 girls across Ontario, helping participants develop athletic skills and remain involved in recreational activities.
Since 2022, the province has invested more than $2.1 million in Canadian Women & Sport and related initiatives. The Next Play has trained 688 leaders and engaged 14,480 young people through community-based programming.
Government Emphasizes Long-Term Investment in Women’s Sport
“When women and girls see professional athletes competing at the highest level, they see what is possible for themselves. The Northern Super League is creating new opportunities for women in sport and inspiring the next generation of girls to pursue their ambitions. By investing in women’s sport, we are helping break down barriers, build confidence, and create more opportunities for women and girls to participate, lead, and succeed. We are proud to support initiatives that empower women and girls to reach their full potential, both on and off the field.”
— Charmaine Williams, Associate Minister, Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity
“The growth of professional women’s sport is changing what girls can see and imagine for themselves. But realizing that possibility takes sustained investment at every level of sport. We’re grateful to the Government of Ontario for continuing to build on its longstanding support of Canadian Women & Sport and The Next Play, helping create more opportunities for girls to get involved, stay involved, and thrive through sport”
— Allison Sandmeyer-Graves, CEO, Canadian Women & Sport
Provincial Sport Investments Support Tourism and Infrastructure
Ontario allocates more than $30 million annually to sport and recreation programs, including grassroots participation, athlete development and major event hosting.
Since 2018, the province’s Sport Hosting Program has invested nearly $20 million in more than 300 national and international amateur sporting events.
These include the 2026 World Junior Girls Golf Championship in Brampton, the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association Women’s Soccer National Championship in Kitchener and the Canadian Ringette Championships in Ottawa.
The province is also investing through its $500 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund to improve sporting facilities and expand communities’ capacity to host competitions.
For Ottawa, the Northern Super League championship highlights the potential economic benefits of professional women’s sports. For Ontario, the investment reflects a wider effort to combine tourism development with stronger pathways for female athletes and the long-term growth of Canada’s sporting industry.
Discover more from Wire Service Canada
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.