April 8 – The Northern Super League, Canada’s first professional women’s soccer league, will make its debut on U.S. screens this month through a landmark multi-year media partnership with ESPN, significantly expanding its international reach ahead of its inaugural season.
Under the new agreement, ESPN+ will stream more than 40 matches per season, including select playoff games and the league final, delivering top-tier Canadian and international women’s football to American audiences.
The coverage kicks off with the league’s opening fixture between Vancouver Rise FC and Calgary Wild FC on April 16 at the 54,000-seater BC Place Stadium, set to stream live at 7pm PT / 10pm ET.
Founded by former Canadian international and Olympic bronze medallist Diana Matheson, the Northern Super League aims to build a sustainable, domestic pathway for elite women’s footballers in Canada — a country with a proud history in the women’s game but no professional league until now.
The league will launch with six founding clubs located in key markets across the country: Halifax Tides FC, Montreal Roses FC, Ottawa Rapid FC, AFC Toronto, Calgary Wild FC, and Vancouver Rise FC.
The deal with ESPN, the leading multi-platform sports entertainment brand in the U.S., is expected to boost visibility for the new league in a crowded North American sports landscape, while also giving international fans the opportunity to follow the development of Canada’s next generation of stars.
The agreement marks a significant milestone for women’s professional soccer in North America, as the Northern Super League becomes the latest player in a fast-growing ecosystem of domestic and international competitions vying for broadcast presence and fan engagement.
“We are thrilled to partner with ESPN and to introduce the Northern Super League to American audiences,” said Christina Litz, President of Northern Super League. “This is a significant moment for women’s soccer in Canada and beyond, as it further elevates the profile of our league, our players, and the sport itself. ESPN’s commitment to showcasing the best in women’s sports makes them an ideal partner for our expansion into the U.S. market.”
“We are glad to be a media home in the U.S. for the Northern Super League and its marquee footballers,” said Sonia Gomez Baker, ESPN Senior Director for Programming and Acquisitions. “Professional women’s soccer is an ascendant sport, and the Northern Super League further cements our leadership in the category.”
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1744856195labto1744856195ofdlr1744856195owedi1744856195sni@g1744856195niwe.1744856195yrrah1744856195