Yet to play a match, the Canadian Premier League appears to already have lofty aspirations on expansion and a promotion/relegation system.
A few weeks ago news broke about the launch of the upcoming Canadian Premier League. While the start of the league is still one or two years away, it appears as though they already have discussed some big goals. Duane Rollins of CanadianSoccerNews tweeted last week that two sources had confirmed the CPL’s interest in expansion to 16 clubs and the elusive promotion and relegation system.
Confirmed with two regular sources: #CanPL will launch with a plan to switch to a *ducking* Pro/Rel system once they hit 16 teams.
— Duane Rollins (@24thminute) June 1, 2017
Is a 16-team CPL possible?
Yes. The CPL would likely launch somewhere closer to 8, but 16 is entirely possible within a few years from now. Using a model similar to the USL, with low entry costs and organizational requirements, the CPL can allow cities interested to join sooner and grow organically.
Two weeks ago our own Gareth Wolff broke down exactly which cities are rumored to be joining the CPL, as well as those in the speculation category. With the strong possibility of Canada co-hosting the 2026 World Cup with the US and Mexico, investors would see the CPL as a chance to start building the infrastructure now in order to capitalize on the wave of added interest that comes with hosting a major tournament.
Promotion and Relegation
Easily the two most common words on the wish list of soccer fans across the US and Canada, with maybe an exception for expansion. It would be easier for the CPL to implement this system at the start, rather than dealing with the landmines MLS now has with owners heavily invested in being in the top flight.
If the league sets out a plan for reaching 16 teams and then having two divisions of eight, owners and fans would know ahead of time the risks and rewards. Additionally, if every team enters under the same requirements both divisions would have similar pay scales, stadium sizes, etc. which would help ease relegation.
Next: A league is born: Canadian Premier League gets the green light
For now, this is all long term speculation, but it does offer an interesting alternative for the future of Canadian soccer. If by 2020 the CPL is operating with 16 clubs throughout the country and beginning the first relegation season, many fans from not only Canada, but the US would be intrigued. How the three MLS clubs would feel in that scenario remains to be seen.