The first season of the Northern Super League is coming to a close with the championship game set to take place at Toronto’s BMO Field after seven months of action. League co-founder, Diana Matheson, expressed her excitement for the upcoming match, highlighting the hard work put in by players, supporters, and organizers throughout the season. The final showdown between AFC Toronto and Vancouver Rise FC aims to celebrate women’s professional sports in Canada, coinciding with the Grey Cup in Winnipeg, making it a significant weekend for Canadian championships.
Matheson is optimistic about filling the lower bowl at BMO Field for the championship game, with favorable weather conditions forecasted. AFC Toronto, the top regular-season team, will face Vancouver Rise FC, who finished third in the standings. The teams have an equal record in their five regular-season meetings, each winning two games and drawing one.
The Northern Super League’s debut season has been a success, attracting over 275,000 spectators in 2025 from 19 different countries. Matheson emphasized the positive reception from players and fans, stating that the league has resonated with many individuals. Plans are already in place to expand the league by adding a seventh team in 2027, focusing on Central and Western Canada.
International interest in the league is growing, with potential investors eyeing Canada as a lucrative market for women’s professional sports. Matheson highlighted Canada’s reputation as a strong women’s sports nation, positioning the Northern Super League competitively on a global scale. The league’s expansion committee, in collaboration with Whitecap Sports Group, is actively seeking new owners to drive further growth and development.
As the league looks to enhance its infrastructure, Matheson is hopeful that the upcoming 2026 World Cup will spur investments in soccer stadiums. The culmination of the season will see Matheson awarding the Diana B. Matheson Cup to the championship-winning team, a moment she describes as surreal and eagerly anticipated.