How the NSL plans to fuel Canadian women’s soccer

How the NSL plans to fuel Canadian women’s soccer

Author: The Athletic July 31, 2026 Duration: 27:01

With the second-ever Northern Super League season underway, the NSL has recently announced that it would be adding its first expansion team. Co-founded by Canadian soccer legend Desiree Scott, Winnipeg is set to become the NSL’s seventh team in 2027.


So, what have been the major wins for the NSL after 18 months? What are their plans for growth? And, how vital is the relationship between the league and the Canadian women’s national team?


On this episode of Full Time, Jillian Sakovits is joined by Scott to talk about her experience playing in the NSL’s inaugural season and the story behind founding the Winnipeg team. The Athletic’s Melanie Anzidei talks about what she learned from her reporting about what is going on in Canada’s first professional women’s soccer league. There’s also a conversation with NSL chair Mark Cohon about how the league office is driving growth.

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HOST: Jillian Sakovits

GUESTS: Desiree Scott, Mark Cohon, Melanie Anzidei

PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes

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Reference on the show:

Soccer in Canada: How the Northern Super League hopes to fuel Canadian women’s soccer

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For anyone who lives and breathes the beautiful game as played by women, Full Time: A show about women's soccer is your essential audio companion. This isn't just a recap show; it's a deep, thoughtful, and often lively exploration of the entire ecosystem. Produced by the journalists at The Athletic, the podcast delivers expert analysis and storytelling you can trust, moving seamlessly from the latest U.S. women’s national team drama to the week's pivotal NWSL results and major stories from leagues across Europe and the globe. Three times a week, hosts Meg Linehan, Tamerra Griffin, and Jillian Sakovits break down the matches, but more importantly, they dig into the culture, context, and consequential conversations that define the sport's moment. You'll hear from fellow reporters, players, coaches, and insiders who provide unique perspectives you won't find anywhere else. Whether it's a transfer saga, a tactical revolution, or a discussion about the broader impact of the game, this is where the narrative gets unpacked. Tune in for a blend of immediate reaction, investigative reporting, and the kind of informed debate that mirrors the passion of the fans themselves. This podcast goes beyond the final whistle to deliver the full story.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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