The province says its support for Canada’s first professional women’s soccer league championship helped boost women’s sport, draw thousands of fans to Toronto and generate millions in economic activity.
The Ontario government invested $180,000 to help deliver the inaugural Northern Super League Final, held Nov. 15 at BMO Field. Officials estimate the championship attracted more than 20,000 people and contributed over $12 million to the local economy.
“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,” Minister of Sport Neil Lumsden said in a statement. “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 league launched in April 2025 under the leadership of founder Diana Matheson, a Canadian professional soccer player and Team Ontario alumna. It features six clubs across the country, including teams in Toronto and Ottawa. The championship capped a four-day festival celebrating women’s sport with concerts, community programming and conferences, supported by provincial funding aimed at reducing barriers to participation.
“The NSL Final is a milestone moment for professional soccer in Canada and we are grateful to the government of Ontario for their support,” Matheson said. “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.”
The province invests more than $30 million annually in sport and recreation programs, including funding for community groups promoting activity for girls and youth and support for high-performance athletes through the Quest for Gold and major event hosting programs.
Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity Charmaine Williams said the funding is part of a broader push to encourage women and girls to stay in sport.
“This investment will inspire more women and girls to continue playing sports and pursue their dreams of becoming professional athletes,” Williams said. “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.”
