Canadian Premier League Unveils 2026 CPL-U SPORTS Draft Sponsored by Degree
The Canadian Premier League (CPL) has officially announced the 2026 CPL-U SPORTS Draft, which will take place on Friday, November 28. This event will showcase the league’s commitment to fostering young talent while connecting to the Canadian university sports system.
Details of the 2026 CPL-U SPORTS Draft
Expansion club FC Supra du Québec has secured the first overall pick in both the initial rounds of the draft. The order of selections beyond the first two rounds will be determined by the final standings of the 2025 CPL regular season, along with playoff results. Specifically, the team finishing at the bottom of the standings will pick first.
Draft Timeline and Format
- The draft will be held on November 28, 2026.
- The selection order will reflect the outcomes of the 2025 season.
- Broadcast details and the exact time will be published following the 2025 CPL Final, scheduled for November 9, 2025.
Once players are selected, they may be invited to join pre-season training with the respective clubs, vying for a position on the roster for the 2026 season. Each CPL club may sign up to three players on CPL-U SPORTS contracts to their developmental roster, which is designed to nurture emerging talent in Canada. Significantly, these contracts do not affect a club’s player compensation budget.
The Importance of the CPL-U SPORTS Draft
Costa Smyrniotis, Executive Vice President of Football at the CPL, emphasized the value of the draft. He noted that it consistently delivers talented players, with many student-athletes achieving immediate success and ultimately evolving into crucial team members. The draft serves as a vital connection between U SPORTS and the professional league.
Eligibility and Declaration
The draft is accessible to U SPORTS underclassmen who have between one and four years of eligibility left. They must be in good standing with their university’s athletic program and plan to return to school after the draft. The window for player declarations is currently open and will close on November 13, 2026.
Player Statistics and Opportunities
Since its inception, the CPL-U SPORTS Draft has seen 115 players selected, comprising 106 unique athletes. Of these, 68 players have signed contracts with CPL clubs, including notable names such as:
- Joel Waterman (Canadian Men’s National Team defender)
- Victor Loturi (CF Montréal midfielder)
- Rayane Yesli
- Eryk Kobza
- Gianfranco Facchineri
- Gabriel Bitar
This group includes 24 players who secured professional contracts, along with 44 individuals navigating CPL-U SPORTS contracts. These agreements provide student-athletes with a unique chance to gain professional experience while retaining their eligibility for university-level competition.
