Northern Super League draws investment of $30 million from international sports firm

An international firm has invested $30 million in the Northern Super League.

The six-team Canadian women's pro soccer league is in its second season with clubs in Vancouver, Calgary, Halifax, Montreal, Toronto and Ottawa.

Apex, a sports investment firm with Formula One drivers Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris and Portuguese soccer player Diogo Dalot among its backers, said in a statement there's growing investor confidence in the NSL and in women's soccer.

The NSL confirmed the amount of the investment Wednesday.

The league drew 275,000 fans to 80 matches, secured 16 national sponsors and generated over $30 million in revenue in its first year of operation.

The NSL has broadcast partnerships with TSN, which drew three million viewers in the first year, and ESPN Plus in the United States. CBC/Radio-Canada also has a a multi-year media partnership with the league, broadcasting NSL matches across its television networks, CBC Gem and digital platforms.

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"In just one season, the Northern Super League demonstrated that there is significant demand for professional women's soccer in Canada," said league president Christina Litz in a statement.

"This investment from Apex reflects confidence not only in the progress we have made, but in the opportunity that lies ahead. As we continue to build the league, Apex's global experience, strategic perspective, and commitment to growing sports properties will help us accelerate audience growth, strengthen our commercial business, and position the Northern Super League for long-term success on the international stage."

The global women's sports market has