The season began on June 4, 1997, and concluded on October 8, 1997, with St. Catharines Roma Wolves defeating Toronto Supra in a two-game series for the CNSL Championship.
A notable departure was Toronto Italia a well-distinguished club that had another opportunity in 1998 to return to the professional scene but failed to settle disputes regarding territory and league policy.
The merger marked the return of Toronto Croatia, Hamilton White Eagles, along with the addition of Kosova Albanians as a new entry.
[10] The departure stemmed from a variety of issues originally with the Ontario Soccer Association's decision to decertify the CNSL, and a feud involving Toronto Croatia over an alleged debt from the 1995 season.
[18] The league meeting also produced a revised schedule where the final five matches were canceled, which allowed the remaining clubs a berth in the postseason.
The decision was influenced after Kosova's president was required to provide a performance cheque for a player who was involved in an altercation with a referee in an earlier match.
[32] League executive Michael Di Biase reported that the club officials failed in properly address the request.