Ottawa’s professional women’s soccer team will have a new ownership group for the start of its second season. The Ottawa Rapid FC announced a “significant majority ownership investment” by Arcadia MapleLeaf Soccer, led by Nick Sakellariadis, who will serve as chair, Ellen Shumway and Michael Savit. “Arcadia will strengthen the club’s leadership and capital foundation as it enters season two in the Northern Super League (NSL),” said a media release Friday morning. “The investment will help continue building Ottawa Rapid FC into a lasting community institution and reflects confidence in women’s professional soccer in Canada.” The Ottawa Rapid FC was established ahead of the 2025 season by Diana Matheson and Thomas Gilbert of Project 8, who led the creation of the Northern Super League. The Rapid FC play their home games at TD Place Stadium. “Women’s professional soccer in Canada is at an inflection point, and Ottawa is exactly the right market to build something enduring,” Sakellariadis said in a statement. “The fundamentals are strong, participation is growing, and Ottawa has both a passionate soccer community and a committed business community. Arcadia is building on that foundation with experienced investors who understand what it takes to build a winning franchise.” According to the Ottawa Rapid FC, Arcadia will join the club’s existing ownership group, “building on the strong leadership and Ottawa-based operations already in place.” “The founding ownership group is also increasing its investment alongside Arcadia, underscoring conviction in the club’s long-term vision to elevate talent, strengthen community connection, and build lasting success in women’s professional soccer in Canada,” said the media release from the Ottawa Rapid FC. “Arcadia brings together a group of friends and investors, who have worked together for decades—experienced professionals spanning finance, business and professional sports. Together, the partners bring deep expertise and a shared conviction in the long-term trajectory of women’s professional soccer in Canada.” Sakellariadis is currently the executive chairman of the Daytona Dragons, the minor league affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds. Savit has more than 40 years of experience in professional sports ownership and operations, and is a managing partner of HWS Group, a sports management firm. Shumway recently retired following a career in consulting and financial services. The Ottawa Rapid FC will kick off the 2026 season with a friendly against Bay FC of the NWSL. The Rapid FC will begin the NSL season on April 25 in Halifax against the Tides, before playing their home opener on May 2 against the Calgary Wild at TD Place.
