Six clubs have officially submitted their applications to join Project 8’s Women’s Premier Soccer League Canada (WPSL Canada), paving the way for its launch in 2025. Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary have already secured spots as three of the teams, with the remaining half yet to be disclosed.

“An incredible group of individuals, who will be introducing themselves over the coming weeks, have stepped up as partners and owners. I am deeply humbled by the support we’ve received from leaders across Canada and throughout the soccer community,” stated Diana Matheson, former Canadian national team member and CEO/co-founder of Project 8.

Project 8 has announced that league and club brands will be revealed in the upcoming months, while player signings and ticket pre-sales are scheduled to commence in the summer.

“Our league and its identity symbolize our collective ambition to elevate women’s soccer to new heights,” Matheson emphasized.

The league’s official announcement took place in December 2022, with Matheson setting April 2025 as the target for kickoff and aiming for the inaugural champion to be crowned in the fall.

Matheson, renowned for scoring the bronze medal-clinching goal at the 2012 Olympics, expressed her goal of bringing back approximately half of the over 100 Canadians currently playing abroad.

The franchise fee stands at $1 million, with an estimated $8 million to $10 million in total invested capital required over the first five seasons, along with necessary spending on infrastructure. Owners are not only acquiring a franchise but also a stake in the league itself.

Matheson leads Project 8 Sports Inc. alongside Thomas Gilbert.