Building the Sponsorship Blueprint
The SponsorshipX ROI Forum is thrilled to announce that the Northern Super League (NSL) will take center stage for our closing keynote: “Building the Sponsorship Blueprint: Partnering with the Northern Super League.”
This highly anticipated session will occur on March 30 at 1:00 PM PST at the Fairmont Pacific Rim in Vancouver.
As the NSL prepares for its April 2025 launch, Canadian women’s soccer is on the brink of a transformative era. This discussion will explore the business case for sponsorship in an emerging sports property, breaking down the strategic pitch to brands, the rationale behind investment, and the league’s approach to attracting and retaining partners. With insights from key leaders shaping the NSL’s commercial landscape, this session is essential for brands, rights holders, and investors eager to engage with one of the most exciting developments in Canadian sports. The discussion will be lead by NSL President Christina Litz; Sinead King, President of Vancouver Rise FC, and Jeff Hagen, Vice President, Commercial Development & Strategic Partnerships at WestJet.
Christina Litz, President of the Northern Super League, is at the helm of Canada’s first professional women’s soccer league. With a wealth of experience in sports and media, she has held executive roles with the Canadian Football League (CFL), Woodbine Entertainment, and True North Sports and Entertainment. Since her appointment in July 2024, Christina has been instrumental in shaping the league’s commercial strategy, fan engagement model, and long-term vision as the NSL prepares for its highly anticipated launch.
Sinead King, President of Vancouver Rise FC, brings a global business perspective to the NSL while staying deeply connected to the sport. With leadership experience at HSBC, she has a strategic growth and operational management background. A former youth player at Chelsea FC and Southampton FC, Sinead has firsthand knowledge of the intersection between sport and business. Since joining Vancouver’s NSL club as Chief Business Officer in 2024, she has played a pivotal role in launching Vancouver Rise FC, the city’s first professional women’s soccer team.
Jeff Hagen, Vice President, Commercial Development & Strategic Partnerships at WestJet, provides a brand-side perspective on sponsorship investment in sports. He is responsible for developing strategic partnerships that enhance the airline’s business and customer engagement initiatives. With a deep understanding of corporate sponsorships and commercial growth, Jeff offers key insights into why major brands invest in properties like the NSL and how emerging sports leagues can create valuable, long-term partnerships.
This closing keynote at the ROI Forum is a must-attend for those interested in the future of sports sponsorship, women’s professional soccer, and the strategies that will define the success of the Northern Super League and its partners.