More competition for Hamilton’s Forge FC; Canadian Premier League announces Vancouver expansion club

Forge FC Hamilton and the rest of the Canadian Premier League (CPL) are welcoming the newest club to Canada’s top-tier professional soccer league.

CPL commissioner David Clanachan announced Wednesday (Nov. 10) the league has awarded an expansion club to SixFive Sports & Entertainment LP (SixFive) in Vancouver, British Columbia.

The ninth Canadian Premier League club plans to join the league for the 2023 season, playing out of Vancouver. The city will be the province’s second municipality to host a CPL club. Pacific FC is one of the league’s original clubs, playing out of Greater Victoria.

Vancouver is also home to Major League Soccer’s Vancouver Whitecaps FC.

“Expanding into a great sports city like Vancouver is exciting,” said David Clanachan, Canadian Premier League Commissioner. “We look forward to working with SixFive to continue to grow professional soccer in Canada and create a solid foundation that will be the pathway for players to develop and showcase their skills in front of passionate supporters.”

"We know there are rabid sports fans out there,"

Commissioner David Clanachan joins @KristianJack to discuss today's announcement that Vancouver will be home to the #CanPL's ninth club, set to hit the pitch in 2023.

Full Interview ➡️ https://t.co/SN0pj4dCbY pic.twitter.com/4qzjWAe82L

— CanPL (@CPLsoccer) November 10, 2021

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SixFive is a Canadian-based investment fund that seeks to establish a diversified global portfolio of professional sports teams and infrastructure centred around an engaged and intimate community sports experience. The fund is led by financier and Knightsbridge Capital owner, Dean Shillington as well as former Canadian National Team and European League players Josh Simpson and Rob Friend and Starlight Investments.

“We are excited to bring the Canadian Premier League to Vancouver,” says Shillington. “We are currently speaking to several municipalities about a location and a potential new stadium for this club’s home pitch. Growing the league and investing in the Canadian game is our mission and we are thrilled to bring a new, fan-centric and energizing CPL team to Vancouver.”

The CPL debuted on Apr. 27, 2019.

There are eight clubs currently vying for the CPL’s North Star Shield: Forge FC, Atlético Ottawa, Cavalry FC (Calgary), FC Edmonton, HFX Wanderers FC (Halifax), Pacific FC (Victoria), Valour FC (Winnipeg), York United FC (Toronto).

Plans have also been discussed to add CPL clubs in Saskatchewan and Quebec.