Canadian Premier League plans expansion to capitalize on the global attention surrounding the FIFA 2026 World Cup

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The Commissioner of the Canadian Premier League (CPL) has announced plans to expand the league with the addition of two new teams by 2026. The league, which had its debut season in 2019, is hoping to capitalize on the global attention surrounding the FIFA 2026 World Cup, which Canada will co-host.

The CPL’s Steady Rise

The Canadian Premier League was founded in 2019 in an effort to boost the nation’s competitive edge in soccer. The inaugural 2019 season began with seven teams, with Atlético Ottawa joining in 2020 and Vancouver FC joining in 2023. FC Edmonton was dissolved by the league following the 2022 season after low support figures.

The league as a whole, though, has seen increasing popularity, with the latest season’s viewership up 14 per cent. An increase in engagement through sports betting sites such as the Betano Canadian sports betting online platform has also helped increase the CPL’s visibility, with bettors able to wager on soccer props, futures, and live markets through the sites. The league hopes that expansion into new cities will further boost its following.

The Potential New Teams

The CPL currently represents five provinces across its eight teams. Its board has ambitions to make it a nationally representative league and is in discussions with investor groups across the provinces to find financial backing for prospective clubs. Cities like Kelowna, Laval, Quebec City, Kitchener-Waterloo, Windsor, Saskatoon, and the Greater Toronto Area have emerged as viable candidates.

Going forward, there are several mandates that the Canadian Premier League soccer organizers must adhere to. Notably, the league must add a club in Quebec to proceed with its expansion. The league also requires that clubs meet minimum quotas of Canadian players on team rosters and starting lineups while supporting talent development programs.

To test potential new regions, the league has been undertaking what its Commissioner, Mark Noonan, has called “CPL on Tour”. This year, a match between Vancouver FC and Cavalry FC in Kelowna attracted 6,300 fans, suggesting a strategy to expand into smaller markets under-represented in other major professional sports leagues.

Expansion Builds on World Cup Momentum

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Commissioner Noonan highlighted the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, which Canada will co-host with the United States and Mexico, as a motivating factor for its expansion. “With the progress we are making with our league, the accelerator of World Cup 2026, I firmly believe there’s not a better time to be invested in the CPL specifically,” Noonan stated.

In addition to the rise in attendance rates, the league’s 2024 revenues climbed 13 per cent year-over-year from the 2023 season. Noonan has noted that this is critical in developing soccer infrastructure, as is corporate sponsorship and adequate playing facilities. Its expansion strategy aims to mobilize private and public investment to create a sustainable soccer ecosystem, securing the sport’s longevity.

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches and interest grows, the Canadian Premier League’s expansion strategy appears to be in good form. Noonan’s comments indicate confidence in the league’s future provided the two new teams are strategically and effectively selected.

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