A Canadian Premier League game ball, featuring the league’s logo, is seen before a Canadian Championship match at Hamilton’s Tim Hortons Field in 2023. (Photo by Nick Iwanyshyn/The Canadian Press)
As the Canadian Premier League (CPL) heads towards its championship match on November 9, it’s a time of growth and opportunity for Canadian soccer. The CPL, nearing its sixth season, has faced both wins and setbacks. Successes include the accomplishments of Hamilton’s Forge FC, increasing player salaries, and rising fan attendance. Challenges, however, have come from the pandemic’s disruptions and the league’s financial tensions with Canada Soccer Business.
Despite these hurdles, CPL has stabilized and is now ready to strengthen its position within Canada’s expanding soccer culture, especially with the 2026 World Cup approaching. According to Costa Smyrniotis, CPL’s executive vice president of soccer, the league plays a critical role for Canadian soccer talent by offering a launchpad for players, coaches, and even administrative staff to develop and eventually move on to higher leagues. He emphasizes that CPL fills a gap, providing Canadian players a stepping stone that simply didn’t exist before.
“CPL builds not just the sport, but the entire soccer industry in Canada, connecting local talent to the global game,” said Smyrniotis. Having been with CPL since its beginning, he’s watched Canadian players leave for overseas leagues due to the lack of opportunity at home. Now, with the league thriving, CPL offers that chance right within Canada.
Yet, for the CPL to continue serving as a competitive platform, it must remain viable as a business. Smyrniotis notes that success on the field is key to attracting fans and growing the league. CPL clubs have shown strong performance in events like the CONCACAF Nations League and the Canadian Championship, reflecting a spirit to participate, compete, and win. Business expert Marvin Ryder from McMaster University agrees, suggesting that a strong performance on the field is critical to the league’s long-term success. Fans, Ryder warns, will only stay loyal if their teams stay competitive.
The CPL also benefits from Canada’s growing multicultural community, as new residents bring a love of soccer with them, boosting fan interest. Ryder points out that this cultural shift has raised awareness and enthusiasm for soccer but emphasizes the challenge of turning this interest into ticket sales. The CPL’s affordability offers an edge here; tickets remain a budget-friendly option compared to other major sports events, helping attract new fans to games.
The 2026 World Cup presents a unique opportunity for CPL. As Canada hosts this global event, CPL is preparing to highlight its role in the national soccer scene. Smyrniotis envisions CPL players, like Kwasi Poku and Joel Waterman, taking the international stage, which would spotlight CPL’s impact on the sport. Ryder agrees the World Cup could shine a light on CPL, but he cautions that it won’t be an automatic win for the league. Instead, it’s about reminding fans they can see future stars now in CPL matches, at a fraction of the cost of major international games.
The focus remains on Calgary’s Spruce Meadows, where Cavalry FC will play Forge FC in the season finale. As Smyrniotis puts it, the goal is to keep delivering thrilling, high-stakes matches that keep fans watching until the final whistle.
