2026 CPL-U SPORTS Draft Order Revealed

This Friday will see the league’s eighth CPL-U SPORTS Draft take place, with the live draft being showcase on both OneSoccer and the official CPL YouTube channel.

The draft will continue in its two-round format, with the first round featuring nine selections and the second round featuring seven. This is due in part to expansion side FC Supra being granted the first two draft slots, which follow precedent set when Vancouver FC got the first two drafts in 2023.

The first round of the draft will also see Vancouer FC hold two picks as a result of a transaction with York United that sent Gabriel Bitar to Toronto in exchange for York United’s first round pick.

Bitar himself once made history as the first-ever draft selection in the CPL-U SPORTS Draft, with Cavalry calling his name in 2019. The Nine Stripes are the only side with just one pick in the draft, the twelfth-overall pick in the second round.

The draft will be first look at FC Supra’s local recruitment strategy, with the Quebecois club aiming to build a roster comprised entirely of talent from La Belle Province.

Unlike most drafts from North American sporting circles, selection in the CPL-U SPORTS Draft does not result in a guaranteed contract: instead, eligible athletes may be invited to pre-season training with their prospective CPL club as they fight to earn a roster spot for 2026.

Bitar is a great example of how draft picks can hoist themselves up to the professional level, though many draft picks do not ultimately earn first team contracts, and those that do may not always remain in the pro game in the years to come.

Canadian Premier League sides are permitted to add up to three U SPORTS-contracted players to their development roster that do not count towards the club’s player compensation budget.

This will be the first CPL-U SPORTS Draft held without Valour FC, whom had the top pick for two seasons running, as the side announced its suspension of operations last Friday.

The draft will be hosted by OneSoccer duo Adam Jenkins and Gareth Wheeler. Interested fans can tune into the draft at 1:00PM EST.