Inaugural Season: 2027–2028
Overview
The League is pleased to invite expressions of interest and formal proposals from ownership groups in select Canadian markets to participate in the launch of a new men’s professional league, scheduled to begin play in the 2027–2028 season.
This initiative is designed to establish a national, scalable, and commercially viable sports platform, with a focus on sustainable growth, strong local ownership, and modern media distribution.
As part of its launch strategy, the League has secured a distribution partnership with WatchMojo, providing immediate global digital reach and content amplification across its network of 75M+ followers.
Phase 1 Markets (Atlantic, Quebec, Ontario)
The League is targeting strong mid-sized and emerging markets with demonstrated sports appetite, infrastructure, and community support.
Atlantic Canada
- Halifax, NS
- Moncton, NB
- Saint John, NB
- St. John’s, NL
Quebec
- Quebec City, QC
- Laval, QC
- Longueuil / South Shore, QC
- Gatineau, QC
Ontario
- Hamilton, ON
- Kitchener-Waterloo, ON
- London, ON
- Oshawa / Durham Region, ON
- Windsor, ON
- Mississauga / Peel Region, ON
Strategic / Anchor Market
- Montreal, QC
Opportunity
Selected ownership groups will have the opportunity to:
- Operate a founding franchise in a new national league
- Participate in long-term equity value creation
- Leverage modern, digital-first distribution (WatchMojo partnership)
- Engage local fan bases in underserved or under-optimized markets
- Build a community-driven, commercially sustainable sports organization
Franchise Structure & Economics
- Franchise Fee: $1,000,000 CAD
- Secures founding ownership position
- Preferred market selection
- Input into league structure and governance
- Subject to availability and league approval
Ownership Requirements
All ownership groups must demonstrate:
- Sufficient capitalization to operate for a minimum of three (3) seasons
- Access to a suitable venue (owned, leased, or in advanced negotiation)
- Local market engagement strategy
- Operational and management capability
Media & Distribution
The League will adopt a digital-first media strategy, anchored by:
- WatchMojo as a distribution partner, providing:
- Global reach across YouTube and social platforms
- Content production and amplification
- Integrated storytelling and fan engagement
This approach ensures:
- Immediate audience access
- Scalable monetization opportunities
- Enhanced visibility for teams, players, and sponsors
Proposal Requirements
Interested parties are invited to submit proposals including:
- Ownership Group Overview
- Key individuals and backgrounds
- Ownership structure
- Financial Capacity
- Proof of funds
- Capital plan for 3+ seasons
- Market & Venue
- City selection
- Proposed venue (existing or planned)
- Business Plan
- Revenue model (tickets, sponsorship, community)
- Marketing and fan engagement strategy
- Strategic Vision
- Long-term commitment to the League
- Community integration
Timeline
- RFP Issued: May 23, 2026
- Submission Deadline: July 1, 2026
- Shortlist & Interviews: July–October 2026
- Final Selections: Q4 2026
- League Launch: 2027–2028 Season
Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on:
- Financial strength and sustainability
- Market viability
- Ownership quality and alignment
- Venue readiness
- Strategic vision and long-term commitment
Closing Statement
This League is being built with a focus on discipline, scalability, and long-term value creation.
By combining:
- strong local ownership
- underserved but passionate markets
- and a modern media distribution strategy
…the League aims to redefine how professional sports are launched and grown in Canada.
Submission Contact
Ashkan Karbasfrooshan
ash at watchmojo dot com
May 23, 2026 at 8:28 am
sounds fun;
note that Sherbrooke QC has hosted AHL teams, but no full-sized facility right now
May 25, 2026 at 11:29 am
• Out of the seven most viable cities in Western Canada – three of those markets have no access to professional hockey:
– Victoria has had no professional hockey since the ECHL’s Victoria Salmon Kings (2004–2011)
– Regina has had no professional hockey since PHL’s Regina Capitals (1926–28)
– Saskatoon has had no professional hockey since WHL’s Saskatoon Quakers (1958–59)
• Out of the seven most viable cities in Eastern Canada – five of those markets have no access to professional hockey:
– no professional hockey since the AHL’s Quebec Citadelles (1999–2002)
– no professional hockey since the AHL’s Moncton Hawks (1987–1994)
– no professional hockey since the AHL’s Prince Edward Island Senators (1993–1996)
– no professional hockey since the AHL’s Halifax Citadels (1988–1993)
– no professional hockey since the ECHL’s Newfoundland Growlers (2018–2024)
• Out of the seven most viable cities in Ontario – five of those markets have no access to professional hockey:
– Mississauga has had no professional hockey since CWHL’s Mississauga Chiefs (2007–2010)
– Niagara Region has had no professional hockey since AHL’s St. Catharines Saints (1982–1986)
– Kitchener has had no professional hockey since the EPHL’s Kitchener Beavers (1960–1962)
– London has had no professional hockey since the Colonial Hockey Leagues London Wildcats (1994–1995)
– Windsor has had no professional hockey since IHL’s Windsor Bulldogs (1963–1964)
As of January 1st Hamilton, Ontario had no professional hockey teams…as of today (May 25) Hamilton now has TWO professional hockey teams, both run by American-organizations (PWHL and AHL).
These American-run leagues finally swept in, since NO Canadians were providing pro hockey for this market…Canadians left it vacant…for 11 years…so two American-organizations moved in.
Without these American organizations…like the American Hockey League…Hamilton would still have no teams…since there are no Canadian leagues trying to put hockey in Hamilton.
Only American-run organizations.
If we don’t step in and provide professional hockey to these neglected cities…then nobody else will…
Regina has been waiting how long?
No pro hockey…since 1959…why? Because if AMERICAN-run organizations don’t put a team there…NOBODY in Canada will. Want proof? Well where is the team in the past 65 years?
Because Americans don’t care…
The Canadian League™ — “The place is here. The time is now.”
est. 2025