“(NWSL) Franchise Isn’t Really Enough” – Canada’s Real Reason for Launching Its Own Women’s League Instead of Joining As Expansion Sides

It is a moment of pride for soccer to see what NWSL is today. The premier American soccer league for women has expanded its horizon by evolving to become one of the most advanced leagues for women. With increased technology and broadcasting deals worth $240 million, the league is also expanding in terms of the number of teams participating. However, is Canada, which collaborates with the USA in men’s soccer, with teams in MLS and lower divisions, considering opting out of the NWSL? A soccer expert from Canada explains why NWSL ‘isn’t really enough’ for Canadian Women’s soccer.

Speaking on She Scores Bangers podcast, AC Lang, a pundit from wsoccer.ca says that NWSL will fall short of providing opportunities to all the Canadian talent. She said, “If the core mission is opportunity then just an (NWSL) franchise isn’t enough like it’s still kind of a Band-Aid solution,” citing that the idea is to build a whole new league instead of an expansion franchise to the USA.

Moreover, Lang felt that the mentality of the Canadian players changed over the years, wanting their own league. She also credited former player Diana Matheson for consolidating on that idea saying, “At some point probably when Diana really took it on, the players’ narrative changed as well and it was no we need our own league.” In addition the idea “probably comes from a sense of pride,” and not needing to link to ‘an American product,’ expressed Lang.

Canada’s women’s soccer is on its way to establishing its in-house tournament. The nation is expected to start an 8-team franchisee-based women’s league in 2025, known as Project 8.  As an independent league, it also reported to expand to 12 teams in eight years. On the other hand, NWSL, after their overwhelming success, is not expected to stop any time soon.

NWSL is poised to double in size

2024 is already turning out to be epic for NWSL. Under the leadership of Jessica Berman, the league has introduced 2 extra teams this year. But NWSL will announce another team which would be the 16th club of the competition and will start playing from 2026. Starting with 8 teams in 2013, NWSL will have two times the number of teams after 13 years of its inception. According to reports, the 16th team will be revealed by Q4 of 2024, joining a team from Boston.

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The addition of four teams in four seasons including the current one has boosted the morale of the league. However, Canada is unfazed by the growth and wants to take its own route. Winning their first Olympic gold last time, the neighbors seem to be getting into a tight competition with the USA. But is the idea of having a separate league better than a collaboration with NWSL? Let us know in the comments.

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