NSL co-founder Diana Matheson likes what she sees as new women’s league countdown to kickoff hits 100 days
With just 100 days left until the kickoff of the Northern Super League, Diana Matheson is feeling excited about the progress of the women’s professional league. As the co-founder and chief growth officer of the NSL, Matheson is confident that the league is on track for a successful launch on April 16.
Matheson, along with AFC co-founder Helena Ruken, is pleased with the current status of the league’s development. While there is still work to be done, both Matheson and Ruken are optimistic about the upcoming season. The NSL schedule is expected to be released in early February, with jersey sales set to begin in March.
The six founding franchises in Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver are gearing up for the opening games. Matheson, who had a distinguished international career with 206 caps for Canada, is eagerly anticipating the home openers for each team.
The league will kick off with a one-game opening day on April 16, followed by two more games on the 19th. The locations for the opening games have yet to be announced, with Vancouver and Montreal still finalizing their home venues. Despite the limited number of players announced so far, Matheson assures that more signings are on the way, including some exciting Canadian talent.
The NSL has already secured sponsorship deals with top-tier Canadian brands and multinationals, in addition to partnerships with CBC, TSN/RDS, Hummel, and Westland Insurance. All league matches will be broadcast on linear TV through its partners, ensuring widespread coverage for fans.
Each team will play a 25-game regular-season schedule, with the top four teams advancing to the post-season. The league is committed to featuring female referees, although the officiating talent pool may initially include both men and women.
The NSL is owned equally by the clubs, with Matheson and co-founder Tom Gilbert holding ownership stakes in the Ottawa franchise. Expansion teams will also have the opportunity to buy into the league, ensuring equal representation among all franchises.
As the countdown to the NSL kickoff continues, Matheson is focused on growing the league and connecting with women’s pro leagues around the world. With a strong foundation in place and a clear vision for the future, the Northern Super League is poised to make a significant impact on women’s soccer in Canada.
