Brenda Ha (Co-founder, AFC Toronto): The Soccer Mom Who Became a Sports Team Owner

What does it really take to become an owner in professional sports? For Brenda Ha, the answer is surprisingly simple: conviction, community, and the courage to raise your hand. In this inspiring episode of Mission Critical, Lance sits down with AFC Toronto co-owner and investor Brenda Ha to explore how a first-generation Korean Canadian, lifelong Torontonian, and self-described “soccer mom” stepped into the world of women’s sports ownership—without a billionaire’s bank account or a traditional sports background.

Brenda opens up about the grassroots origins of AFC Toronto, the pivotal moment when her husband challenged her to see herself in the ownership conversation, and what it means to build a franchise rooted in gender equity, community impact, and opportunity for future generations of athletes. From the rise of the Northern Super League to the league-wide sisterhood forming between the PWHL, WNBA, and AFC Toronto, Brenda offers an intimate look at the movement reshaping professional women’s sports in Canada.

She also shares powerful stories from AFC Toronto’s inaugural season—from the behind-the-scenes reality of match-day operations to the emotional impact of hosting Korea Night and rallying Toronto’s multicultural communities around the team.

Whether you're a sports fan, entrepreneur, or someone curious about how everyday people can participate in shaping the future of women’s sports, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Key Highlights & Takeaways:

• How a “soccer mom” became a professional sports team owner—and why you don’t need to be a billionaire to invest in women’s sports
• The grassroots origins of AFC Toronto and the mission behind Project 8 and the Northern Super League
• The role of community, collaboration, and women supporting women across leagues like the PWHL and WNBA
• Behind-the-scenes insights into game-day operations, volunteer culture, and what it takes to build a team from scratch
• The impact of multicultural storytelling, including the success of AFC Toronto’s Korea Night
• Brenda’s personal journey through imposter syndrome, leadership, and learning to see herself in spaces traditionally reserved for “other people”
• The economic and cultural momentum behind women’s sports in Canada—and why this movement is just getting started