Canadian Premier League wants to expand by two teams in 2026

By The Canadian Press on November 8, 2024.

Canadian Premier League commissioner Mark Noonan is shown in this undated handout image.The Canadian Premier League intends to expand by two teams in 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Canadian Premier League ** MANDATORY CREDIT**

CALGARY – The Canadian Premier League intends to expand by two teams in 2026.

CPL commissioner Mark Noonan says the league is in discussions with groups in Edmonton, Laval, Que., Kelowna, B.C., Kitchener, Waterloo and Windsor, Ont., Quebec City, Saskatoon and the Toronto area.

The league currently consists of eight teams in five provinces.

Edmonton had a team from the league’s inception in 2019 to 2022. It folded after poor attendance and losing records.

A test game between Vancouver FC and Cavalry FC was played in Kelowna on June 16 and drew almost 6,300 fans.

The commissioner said more games will be played in markets where there is interest.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 8, 2024.