September 9: Winnipeg’s incoming North Super League team will have a purpose-built home from day one, with a C$8.5 million modular stadium set to go up at the Ralph Cantafio Soccer Complex ahead of the club’s 2027 debut.
The Northern Super League contributes C$5.025 million ($3.6 million) of the total cost, just under 60%, with the rest coming from the Canadian government, the province of Manitoba and the city of Winnipeg.
With the NSL investing its own money in the infrastructure needed to do expansion work, it is being supported by the federal government, which will contribute up to C$2.125 million, C$750,000 from Manitoba and C$600,000 from Winnipeg.
The new ground will have a capacity for around 5,000 spectators and will be delivered by SixFive Stadiums in Vancouver. It will include covered grandstands, support and premium seating, suites, a standing terrace, team facilities and food and beverage areas.
More importantly, it is a modular construction. That means Winnipeg doesn’t need to commit to a 15,000-seat stadium before anyone knows what the crowds will actually be like. If the club fills 5,000 seats and demand keeps rising, the venue can grow with it.
For a young women’s league still working out the size of its markets, that’s a smart way to spend C$8.5 million.
NSL President Christina Litz said, “Bringing professional women’s soccer to more Canadian communities depends on partnership and investment in local infrastructure.”
The wider project also includes a new FIFA-grade artificial pitch and improved lighting at the existing complex, which will remain open for community football and other events.
Winnipeg was confirmed in July as the NSL’s seventh club and will enter the competition in 2027.
The franchise is being co-founded by former Canadian international Desiree Scott and Rob Gale. Winnipeg native and Olympic gold medalist Scott will serve as Vice President of Community & Player Experience, while Gale has assumed the role of Athletic Director.
Gale said, “We’re building more than just a place to play — we’re building a foundation for the future of professional soccer in Manitoba.”
The NSL launched in 2025 with six clubs in Calgary, Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver. Winnipeg gives it a seventh market and, more importantly, a first test of proper infrastructure for what expansion could look like.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at (email protected)
