Vancouver Rise FC Unveiled as City's New Professional Women's Soccer Team

Author:

Alexie Marone

|Published: August 28th, 2024

Vancouver's professional women's soccer team, Vancouver Rise FC, was officially unveiled on Monday, marking the city's return to the sport after over a decade.

The team will compete in the Northern Super League (NSL), which begins its inaugural season in April 2025.

From the depths of the Pacific Ocean, we find an underlying strength. We are Vancouver Rise FC#StrongerByNature | #VanRiseFC pic.twitter.com/aUn6tB4bem
— Vancouver Rise FC (@VancouverRiseFC) August 27, 2024

This league will feature teams from six cities across Canada, including Ottawa, Montreal, Toronto, Halifax, and Calgary.

Vancouver Rise FC's name and teal shield-shaped logo, featuring three snow-capped mountains and a golden sunburst, were revealed by team president Sinead King and Whitecaps women's sporting director Stephanie Labbé.

The team described the name "Rise" as a symbol of empowerment and progress, aiming to inspire future generations.

The NSL will start with a 25-game schedule, followed by playoffs and a national championship in the fall of 2025.

Teams will have a $1.5 million salary cap, with a $50,000 minimum salary for players.

They will be allowed up to seven foreign players and one marquee player whose salary will partially count towards the cap.

Stephanie Labbé expressed excitement about the new team, noting Vancouver's strong support for women's soccer and the importance of creating a club that resonates with the community.

She emphasized that Vancouver Rise FC is poised to inspire generations of soccer players and fans alike.