Denver Summit FC, one of the new teams joining the National Women’s Soccer League this season, has officially signed Canadian midfielder Emma Regan. AFC Toronto announced on Tuesday that the 25-year-old player from Burnaby, B.C., would be leaving their Northern Super League club to play in the NWSL, without specifying the exact team.
Denver revealed that Regan has agreed to a multi-year contract extending through the 2028 season, with a mutual option for 2029. Curt Johnson, the General Manager of Denver, praised Regan’s versatility, intelligence, and experience both professionally and internationally. He emphasized her leadership qualities, composure, and competitive spirit, deeming her an excellent addition to the team for their debut season.
Regan will be joining forces with another Canadian international, Janine Sonis, in Denver. While the transfer fee for Regan was not disclosed by either Denver or Toronto, it is estimated to be in the range of the reported $466,060 US (250,000 pounds) that the Portland Thorns paid to acquire Canada captain Jessie Fleming from Chelsea in January 2024. Notably, the Canadian women’s transfer record stands at one million pounds ($1.87 million), held by forward Olivia Smith for her move from Liverpool to Arsenal in the Women’s Super League last July.
Expressing mixed feelings about the transition, Regan acknowledged her fond memories at AFC Toronto and in Toronto overall. She appreciated her time with the club and highlighted the significance of being part of their inaugural season in the Northern Super League. However, she expressed excitement for the new opportunities that lie ahead with Denver.
AFC Toronto’s Sporting Director, Billy Wilson, viewed the move as a positive step for Regan, the club, and the NSL, emphasizing the substantial nature of the transfer fee within the women’s game. Regan’s recent accomplishments, including her impactful performances for the Canadian national team and AFC Toronto, have garnered attention and acclaim. Her contributions as a defensive midfielder and her impressive leadership qualities have been instrumental in her teams’ successes.
Regan’s football journey also includes a stint in Denmark with HB Koge before joining Toronto. Her achievements on the field have been recognized with accolades such as being named NSL midfielder of the year and earning a spot in the league’s team of the season. She has been a driving force in propelling her teams to success and setting high standards in terms of performance and professionalism.
In parallel NWSL news, Canadian forward Nichelle Prince has made a move to the expansion team Boston Legacy from the Kansas City Current. The trade involved Boston acquiring Prince and a 2026 international roster spot in exchange for $125,000 US in allocation funds and $50,000 in intra-league transfer funds. Prince, a seasoned player with significant experience in the NWSL and the Canadian national team, is poised to make a valuable contribution to Boston’s roster with her skills, experience, and leadership qualities.
Both Regan and Prince’s transfers underscore the growing profile of Canadian players in the NWSL and their impact on the league’s competitiveness and quality.