Northern Super League and team officials hold 2 days of meetings in Toronto

The Northern Super League and team officials are set to kick off two days of meetings in Toronto, marking a significant milestone for the new women’s pro soccer league. While a previous meeting took place in Halifax, this gathering in Toronto brings together team owners, presidents, and sporting directors for the first time ahead of the league’s April launch.

“This is one of the major meetings,” said NSL president Christina Litz. “We meet regularly as a board, but this will be our largest in-person gathering with both the sporting and business sides coming together to discuss and make decisions on important areas of our business.”

The agenda for the meetings includes finalizing league competition rules, prioritizing safe-sport initiatives, and reviewing the league’s 2025 business plan. The closed-door sessions will also feature an address by Kevin Blue, Canada Soccer’s CEO and general secretary, as well as a visit to FIFA’s 2026 World Cup office in Toronto for an update on tournament plans.

The gathering comes 133 days before the league’s kickoff, providing ample time for crucial decisions to be made. In addition to the official meetings, representatives from NSL teams will participate in a panel discussion hosted by Sponsorship Marketing Council Canada.

One of the key figures present at the meetings is Jose Maria Celestino da Costa, the NSL’s head of soccer operations who played a pivotal role in establishing the women’s league in Portugal. Da Costa, who arrives from Estoril Praia, a top-tier men’s club in Portugal, and the Portuguese Soccer Federation, brings a wealth of experience to the table.

Another notable presence is Mark Cohon, the new board chair of NSL and former CFL commissioner. With his background in sports leadership, Cohon is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of the league.

The Northern Super League will debut with teams in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, and Halifax, offering an exciting new platform for women’s professional soccer in Canada. The meetings in Toronto lay the groundwork for a successful launch in April, setting the stage for a bright future for the league and its teams.