The death of a football club: Valour FC suspends operations following weeks of uncertainty
Both Valour FC and the Canadian Premier League put out statements on Friday stating the club, which was one of the league’s founding members, is suspending operations.
The decision comes after Winnipeg Football Club, the organization which ran Valour, informed the league of their intention to fold following concerns around sustainability and poor attendance, with Valour posting operating losses throughout its existence. The CPL covered the club’s operating costs to the tune of millions of dollars over the last two seasons.
“Valour FC’s ownership informed the Canadian Premier League of its intention to suspend operations following the 2025 season. The league has explored multiple avenues to maintain the club’s viability, engaging in discussions with potential investors and evaluating all feasible operational models. This included a thorough assessment of continuing the financial backing the league has provided to the club over the past two years,” noted the league statement.
“Investing wisely means focusing resources where they create the greatest long-term impact for the league and the game. After review, it became clear that there is no sustainable path forward for Valour FC at this time.
“This was not an easy decision, and we don’t take the impact on players, staff or fans lightly. We are focused on continuing to play our role in the progress of Canadian soccer, ensuring the game and our league can keep moving forward across the country for generations to come.”
There’s been uncertainty around Valour following the end of their regular season. Multiple sources expressed concerns to HFX Football Post over the future of the club as management, staff and players awaited a decision.
A range of options for the club’s future, from league operation and funding to identifying prospective new owners to ceasing operations, were considered. Sources said the situation came to a head this week, when the league’s review process wrapped up and a decision was finalized.
Players and staff were informed during a virtual meeting on Friday.
“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,” said Valour through a statement.
“The club also thanks all players, coaches, and staff for their dedication and hard work.”
However, said sources, this isn’t necessarily the end of professional football in Winnipeg. The market is considered by many to be strong but the right conditions need to be in place for a club to be successful.
A committed ownership group remains a key ingredient to any league expansion.
Valour’s financial situation had worsened over the last few seasons. Documents from the club’s yearly financials show in 2024 a yearly revenue of $1.31 million compared to $3.53 million in expenses for a loss of $2.22 million. The club reported a loss of $1.25 million in 2023.
Valour also struggled on the pitch as they failed to qualify for the playoffs. They finished last on the table in back-to-back seasons. And they struggled to retain quality players, relying on loans to secure some of their best performers.
Despite the poor results, the club’s attendance hovered around 3,000 for much of the last few seasons. However, ownership had hinted previously that more was needed to keep the club viable.
“We’re making changes to find ways to get better results on the field with new hirings in soccer operations and coaching and have dedicated two sales reps specifically to Valour. We must get the attendance back up to an average of over 5,000 and find a way to make this successful going forward,” owner Wade Miller told Northern Tribune last year.
Ultimately, Miller and Winnipeg Football Club made the call to fold the club.
The release from Valour noted all contractual obligations for players and staff will be fulfilled to the end of the calendar year. All players who had deals past 2025 are now free agents. Fans with ticket credits will receive full refunds; the club will be contacting account holders for next steps.
"Thank you again for your support, your belief in the club, and the community you helped build," summarized an email sent to season ticket holders.
Cover Photo Credit: Canadian Premier League
