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

CPL Commissioner Mark Noonan said the league is in discussions with groups from Edmonton, Laval, Que., Kelowna, B.C., Kitchener, Waterloo and Windsor, Ont. from Quebec, Saskatoon and the Toronto region.

The league currently has eight teams spread across five provinces.

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

A test match between Vancouver FC and Cavalry FC took place in Kelowna on June 16 and attracted almost 6,300 spectators.

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

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

The Canadian Press