• Inaugural Northern Super League Final event in Toronto will attract more than 20,000 people and generate $12 million in economic activity

TORONTO, Canada – The Ontario government is investing $180,000 to support the growth of women's sport in the province and help deliver Canada's first professional women's soccer league championship, the inaugural Northern Super League (NSL) Final at BMO Field in Toronto. Held on November 15, the event is expected to generate over $12 million in economic activity and attract more than 20,000 people.

“With the emergence of organisations 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.”

The Northern Super League launched in April 2025 by Canadian professional soccer player and proud Team Ontario alumna, Diana Matheson, features six clubs from across Canada, including in Toronto and Ottawa. The NSL Final will cap off a four-day festival celebrating women's sports, with community events, concerts and conferences. The government's investment is part of the province's plan to break down barriers and increase women's participation in sport.

“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 recognises 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.”

Ontario invests more than $30 million annually in sport and recreation programs, including support for grassroots organisations who are creating opportunities for girls and youth to stay active and healthy and combat gender bias in sport. Funding also supports high-performance athletes through Quest for Gold and major event hosting programs.

“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.

Quick facts

• Ontario has invested more than $2.1 million since 2022 to support Canadian Women & Sport and programs like The Next Play, which has trained 488 leaders and engaged 8,200 youth across Ontario in community-based programming.
• Since 2018, Ontario's Sport Hosting Program has invested over $16 million to help deliver 230 national and international amateur sporting events across the province, including major women's competitions like the Ford World Women's Curling Championship, U SPORTS Women's Hockey and Basketball Nationals, and the WBSC Women's World Baseball Championship.
• Soccer is the highest participation team sport in Canada, with the third-highest number of registered girls and women among FIFA countries.

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