Valour FC suspending operations

Winnipeg soccer team Valour FC has suspended operations.

Winnipeg’s professional soccer club is suspending operations.

Valour FC, one of the original members of the Canadian Premier League (CPL), made the announcement Friday, noting the team informed the league of its plans to suspend operations after the 2025 season ended.

“The League has explored multiple avenues to maintain the club’s viability, engaging in discussions with potential investors and evaluating all feasible operational models,” a statement from the CPL said. “This included a thorough assessment of continuing the financial backing the League has provided to the club over the past two years.”

The league added that after a review, it became clear there is no sustainable path forward for Valour FC.

Valour FC is owned by the Winnipeg Football Group, the organization that runs the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

The soccer team, which has been playing since 2019, has been on shaky financial ground in recent years.

In April 2024, the Bombers reported that Valour had lost $1.25 million the previous year, characterizing the club’s finances as uncertain. The league agreed to cover the club’s operating costs in 2024 with a loan, with a similar agreement in place this season.

In a separate statement, the club thanked its fans for the support over the years.

“Valour FC extends its deepest gratitude to its fans, especially its loyal season ticket members, corporate partners, and the Red River Rising supporters’ group, whose passion, commitment, and matchday energy have defined the Club since day one,” the team wrote.

The team said all contractual obligations for players and staff will be fulfilled by the club until the end of the year. All players under contract with the team past 2025 will become free agents or return to their parent clubs.

Fans with credit in their ticketing accounts will receive refunds.

Valour FC finished in sixth place during the 2025 season, with a record of seven wins, five draws and 16 losses.

With files from The Canadian Press