TORONTO, ONTARIO — The Ontario government is making a landmark investment in women’s sports, announcing $180,000 in funding to help deliver Canada’s first-ever professional women’s soccer league championship — the inaugural Northern Super League (NSL) Final, set to take place November 15 at BMO Field in Toronto.
The event marks a major milestone for women’s professional soccer in Canada, expected to attract more than 20,000 fans and generate over $12 million in economic activity. The province’s support is part of a broader effort to promote gender equity in sport while driving tourism and economic growth through major events.
“With the emergence of organizations like the Northern Super League, we are witnessing a new era of women’s sports in Canada and our government is proud to support its growth,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport. “As the NSL’s historic inaugural season reaches its championship finale, it’s not only driving economic growth through sport tourism — it’s also bringing Canadians together and showing young girls across the country that a future career in professional women’s soccer is possible, right here at home.”
A New Era for Women’s Professional Soccer
Launched in April 2025, the Northern Super League represents a groundbreaking step for women’s sports in Canada. Founded by Diana Matheson, a retired Canadian professional soccer player and proud Team Ontario alumna, the league features six clubs from across the country, including franchises in Toronto and Ottawa.
The NSL Final will cap off a four-day festival of women’s sports at Toronto’s BMO Field, complete with community events, concerts, and conferences designed to engage fans and celebrate athletic excellence.
“The NSL Final is a milestone moment for professional soccer in Canada and we are grateful to the government of Ontario for their support,” said Diana Matheson, Founder and Chief Growth Officer of the Northern Super League. “This investment recognizes the positive impact the NSL Final will have on Toronto and across the province — attracting fans, driving economic activity for local businesses, celebrating the growth of women’s soccer, and highlighting Ontario’s leadership in advancing women in sport.”
Matheson, who famously represented Canada at multiple FIFA Women’s World Cups and Olympic Games, has become a leading advocate for professional opportunities for female athletes. Her vision for the NSL has helped create a platform for homegrown talent and expanded Canada’s profile in global women’s soccer.
Growing the Game and the Economy
The Ontario government’s investment aligns with its broader strategy to support women in sport, including increasing participation, providing equitable opportunities, and fostering leadership in athletic organizations.
“This investment will inspire more women and girls to continue playing sports and pursue their dreams of becoming professional athletes. By breaking down barriers and providing more opportunities for women and girls to reach their full potential and succeed, we are supporting communities across the province. Because when women succeed, Ontario succeeds,” said Charmaine Williams, Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity.
According to provincial data, soccer is the highest-participation team sport in Canada, with the third-largest number of registered girls and women among FIFA countries. The success of the Northern Super League builds on that foundation, offering a pathway from community programs to professional competition — something long missing in Canada’s sports ecosystem.
Beyond participation, the NSL’s championship event is expected to boost the tourism and hospitality sector, drawing visitors from across Ontario and beyond. The government said the $12 million in projected economic activity will benefit local hotels, restaurants, and small businesses, while reinforcing Toronto’s position as a premier destination for major sporting events.
Investing in Women’s Sport Leadership
Ontario invests more than $30 million annually in sport and recreation programming, supporting both grassroots initiatives and elite competition. This includes funding for Canadian Women & Sport and its program The Next Play, which since 2022 has trained 488 leaders and engaged over 8,200 youth across Ontario.
Since 2018, the province’s Sport Hosting Program has provided $16 million to help deliver 230 national and international amateur events, including the Ford World Women’s Curling Championship, U SPORTS Women’s Hockey and Basketball Nationals, and the WBSC Women’s World Baseball Championship.
Officials say these investments reflect a commitment to strengthening Ontario’s reputation as a global leader in sport development and equity. By combining infrastructure support with event hosting and athlete training, the government aims to build sustainable growth across multiple levels of competition.
Inspiring the Next Generation
The upcoming NSL Final is more than a championship — it represents a defining moment in Canadian sport. With thousands of fans expected at BMO Field and millions watching nationwide, the match stands as a visible symbol of opportunity for the next generation of female athletes.
For the Ontario government, the event underscores its message that sport can serve as both an economic driver and a vehicle for social progress.
By backing the Northern Super League, Ontario is helping ensure that young girls across the province — and across Canada — can look to the pitch and see a future where professional women’s soccer is not just a dream, but a reality built at home.
