The Canadian Premier League (CPL) has emerged as the top-tier professional soccer league in Canada, offering a platform for both domestic and international players to showcase their talent. Launched in 2019, the CPL represents a major milestone for Canadian soccer, and has been instrumental in developing the sport, promoting soccer culture, and increasing the visibility of Canadian players. Since its inception, the league has rapidly expanded, adding new teams and growing in popularity.
In this article, we will explore the number of teams currently in the Canadian Premier League, its growth trajectory, the league structure, and the future outlook for the competition.
The Formation of the Canadian Premier League
Before the establishment of the CPL, Canada lacked a fully professional domestic soccer league. While Canadian teams participated in various international competitions and leagues, such as Major League Soccer (MLS), there was no dedicated national league to promote the development of soccer talent within the country.
The Canadian Premier League was established to address this gap, giving Canadian players the opportunity to compete at a professional level without leaving the country. The league aims to promote soccer at all levels in Canada, while also providing a pathway for players to make their mark on the global soccer stage.
The CPL officially launched in April 2019, with seven teams in its inaugural season. Since then, the league has expanded and continues to evolve, drawing attention from fans and stakeholders alike.
The Number of Teams in the Canadian Premier League
As of the 2025 season, the Canadian Premier League consists of 8 teams. These teams are located in various cities across Canada, representing different regions and bringing soccer to communities that have been historically underserved in terms of professional football.
Here’s a table outlining the teams in the Canadian Premier League as of 2025:
| Team Name | City/Region | Year Founded | Stadium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cavalry FC | Calgary, Alberta | 2018 | ATCO Field at Spruce Meadows |
| Forge FC | Hamilton, Ontario | 2018 | Tim Hortons Field |
| Pacific FC | Victoria, British Columbia | 2018 | Starlight Stadium |
| Valour FC | Winnipeg, Manitoba | 2018 | IG Field |
| York United FC | Toronto, Ontario | 2020 | York Lions Stadium |
| Atlético Ottawa | Ottawa, Ontario | 2020 | TD Place Stadium |
| Vancouver FC | Vancouver, British Columbia | 2022 | Langley Sportsplex |
| Montreal FC | Montreal, Quebec | 2024 | Saputo Stadium |
A Breakdown of Each Team
1. Cavalry FC
- City: Calgary, Alberta
- Stadium: ATCO Field at Spruce Meadows
- Founded: 2018
- Notable Players: Dominick Zator, Sergio Camargo
- Achievements: One of the most successful teams in CPL history, Cavalry FC has consistently been at the top of the league standings and a contender in the playoffs.
2. Forge FC
- City: Hamilton, Ontario
- Stadium: Tim Hortons Field
- Founded: 2018
- Notable Players: Tristan Borges, Kyle Bekker
- Achievements: The most decorated team in CPL history, Forge FC has won multiple championships and remains a dominant force in Canadian soccer.
3. Pacific FC
- City: Victoria, British Columbia
- Stadium: Starlight Stadium
- Founded: 2018
- Notable Players: Marco Bustos, Alejandro Diaz
- Achievements: Pacific FC won the 2021 CPL Championship, marking their place in league history.
4. Valour FC
- City: Winnipeg, Manitoba
- Stadium: IG Field
- Founded: 2018
- Notable Players: Sean Rea, Daryl Fordyce
- Achievements: Valour FC has established itself as a competitive side but has yet to claim the league title.
5. York United FC
- City: Toronto, Ontario
- Stadium: York Lions Stadium
- Founded: 2020
- Notable Players: Osvaldo Ramírez, Lowell Wright
- Achievements: York United has built a solid foundation since joining the league, with promising performances in their early seasons.
6. Atlético Ottawa
- City: Ottawa, Ontario
- Stadium: TD Place Stadium
- Founded: 2020
- Notable Players: Antoine Coupland, Malcolm Shaw
- Achievements: As one of the newer teams, Atlético Ottawa has been building towards a successful future and continues to grow its fanbase.
7. Vancouver FC
- City: Vancouver, British Columbia
- Stadium: Langley Sportsplex
- Founded: 2022
- Notable Players: Mo Babouli, Amir Didic
- Achievements: As the newest addition to the CPL, Vancouver FC is focused on establishing its identity and contributing to the league’s growth.
8. Montreal FC
- City: Montreal, Quebec
- Stadium: Saputo Stadium
- Founded: 2024
- Notable Players: To be determined
- Achievements: Montreal FC’s inclusion marks the expansion of the CPL into Quebec, further growing the league’s presence in Canada.
The Growth and Expansion of the Canadian Premier League
Since its inception in 2019, the CPL has experienced rapid growth, with the league expanding from 7 teams in its first season to 8 teams in 2025. The league’s development has been largely influenced by:
- A Growing Fanbase: Canadian soccer fans have embraced the CPL, with teams attracting passionate supporters in each of their respective cities. This fanbase has helped fuel the league’s expansion.
- Investment and Infrastructure: The increasing investment in soccer infrastructure, including the construction and renovation of stadiums, has been crucial for the league’s growth. New teams, such as Vancouver FC and Montreal FC, have benefited from this infrastructure boom.
- Canadian National Team Success: As Canadian soccer has gained global recognition, particularly with the men’s and women’s national teams performing well on the international stage, the CPL has benefited from heightened interest in the sport.
- Talent Development: The CPL serves as a developmental league for young Canadian players, providing a pathway for them to progress to higher levels of professional soccer, including MLS and international leagues.
The CPL Structure
The structure of the Canadian Premier League follows a traditional league format, with each team playing a set number of matches during the regular season. The league’s competition structure includes the following components:
1. Regular Season
- Each team plays home and away matches against all other teams.
- The top teams based on points progress to the playoffs.
- Points are awarded as follows: 3 points for a win, 1 point for a draw, and 0 points for a loss.
2. Playoffs
- The top four teams in the regular season qualify for the playoffs.
- The format typically includes semifinals followed by the CPL Championship final.
- The team that wins the final is crowned the Canadian Premier League champion.
3. CPL Championship
- The final match of the playoffs determines the champion of the league.
- The winner receives the prestigious North Star Shield, the trophy awarded to the Canadian Premier League champion.
Future of the Canadian Premier League
The future of the Canadian Premier League looks bright, with several important factors contributing to its sustained growth:
- Expansion of Teams: The league is expected to continue expanding, with other Canadian cities, such as Quebec City and Halifax, potentially adding teams in the coming years.
- Increased Global Recognition: As more international players join the league and as the national teams continue to excel on the world stage, the CPL will likely gain more international attention, leading to better sponsorships and greater media exposure.
- Youth Development and Academies: The CPL’s youth development programs and club academies will continue to foster the growth of soccer talent in Canada. Players from the CPL are increasingly being scouted by MLS teams, providing further opportunities for Canadian talent.
Conclusion
The Canadian Premier League (CPL) has rapidly become a vital component of Canada’s soccer landscape, providing top-tier competition and opportunities for both Canadian and international players. With 8 teams as of 2025, the league has grown significantly and will likely continue expanding, both in terms of teams and its national influence.
The CPL is not only helping to elevate Canadian soccer to new heights but also fostering local talent, creating strong community ties, and building a passionate fanbase. With its promising future, the CPL will continue to be a central part of the soccer culture in Canada for years to come.