Photo Epic - Vancouver Rise FC vs AFC Toronto - June 28, 2026

VANCOUVER - Wait. This isn't the MLS. This isn't the NWSL.

WHAT EVEN IS THE NSL???

Well, the NSL is a lot like the NWSL. Only 6 teams compete (currently - Winnipeg just got announced as an expansion market for 2027 within the last 12 hours - https://www.nsl.ca/news/northern-super-league-awards-seventh-franchise-to-winnipeg-for-2027-season), vs the NWSL's 16 teams. Both leagues are for the ever growing Women's side of the sport (FINALLY).

The 2025-2026 season was the inaugural season for the league, but has been in the work since 2021. The now defunct USL W-League was one of the driving factors in finding a solution to create a professional pipeline for women, as well as create new development pipeline opportunities for Canadian players in an otherwise seriously underserved market. It took a few years to create, but began with 6 teams; Calgary Wild FC, Halifax Tides FC, Montreal Roses FC, Ottawa Rapid FC, AFC Toronto, and the Vancouver Rise FC.

The league gained broadcasting rights with CBC, TSN, as well as ESPN, so those of you south of the border can watch matches on ESPN+ as well as some on YouTube (sometimes, might be geo-locked though).

This represents a MASSIVE opportunity for women in Canada to pursue professional player development in country, and the Vancouver Rise FC club has a close relationship with the Whitecaps FC as they share one of the same owners in Greg Kerfoot. They are for all intents and purposes, the rebirth of the former Whitecaps Women's team.

Vancouver Rise FC won their inaugural season league championship and come into this season as title defenders with a massive target on their back from the rest of the league.

While they didn't get the win this day in the end, the team pushes on and has roughly half a season left on their schedule.

Please, if you can, find the time to go and explore what the NSL is as a league. Go find a club to support, watch the matches if you can, and find a way to celebrate women's sports.