Economics

Northern Super League draws investment of $30 million from international sports firm

By
The Canadian Press

Published: 

A soccer ball with the Northern Super League logo sits on a table before a league news conference on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns

LONDON — An international firm has invested $30 million in the Northern Super League.

The six-team Canadian women’s pro soccer league is in its second season with clubs in Vancouver, Calgary, Halifax, Montreal, Toronto and Ottawa.

Apex, a sports investment firm with Formula One drivers Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris and Portuguese soccer player Diogo Dalot among its backers, said in a statement there’s growing investor confidence in the NSL and in women’s soccer.

The NSL confirmed the amount of the investment Wednesday.

Ottawa Rapid's Delaney Baie Pridham, left, kicks the ball as Calgary Wild's Mijke Roelfsema closes in during second half Northern Super League soccer action in the in Calgary, on Sunday, May 11, 2025.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh Ottawa Rapid's Delaney Baie Pridham, left, kicks the ball as Calgary Wild's Mijke Roelfsema closes in during second half Northern Super League soccer action in the in Calgary, on Sunday, May 11, 2025.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

The league drew 275,000 fans to 80 matches, secured 16 national sponsors and generated over $30 million in revenue in its first year of operation.

The NSL has broadcast partnerships with TSN, which drew three million viewers in the first year, and ESPN Plus in the United States.

“In just one season, the Northern Super League demonstrated that there is significant demand for professional women’s soccer in Canada,” said league president Christina Litz in a statement.

“This investment from Apex reflects confidence not only in the progress we have made, but in the opportunity that lies ahead. As we continue to build the league, Apex’s global experience, strategic perspective, and commitment to growing sports properties will help us accelerate audience growth, strengthen our commercial business, and position the Northern Super League for long-term success on the international stage.”

The global women’s sports market has more than tripled since 2022 to approximately $2.4 billion, with fans of women’s soccer projected to reach 800 million by 2030, according to Apex.

“The NSL delivered in season one. Now we are excited to help enable the next phase of growth,” Apex founder and chief executive officer Antonio Cacorino said in a statement.

Vancouver Rise's Samantha Chang (8), centre right, jumps in celebration of her teammate Holly Ward's goal against the Ottawa Rapid during second half Northern Super League semifinal soccer action in Ottawa, on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRE... Vancouver Rise's Samantha Chang (8), centre right, jumps in celebration of her teammate Holly Ward's goal against the Ottawa Rapid during second half Northern Super League semifinal soccer action in Ottawa, on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby

“Women’s football has the players, the fans, and the competitive quality. With the right capital and commercial infrastructure behind it, the sport has the opportunity to unlock significant long-term value globally.”

The NSL’s expanded financial backing follows the US$100 million investment by Larry Tanenbaum in the Professional Women’s Hockey League to become the first outside investor in the 12-team league entering its fourth season.

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This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 8, 2026.