Argo Sale

[Wobbler]

In the off-season there isn't much to discuss, but it would be nice if everyone tried to bring new information or new interpretations regarding this topic and others.

[R.J]

I get the feeling Mr. Braley seems to believe that once the Argos have a favourable lease for BMO Field, potential bidders will come and I suppose drive up the sale price a bit. I'm still of the believe that the Argos under MLSE ownership will be much stronger and have a better chance at stability as well as profit, as opposed to any other owner/ownership group at BMO. The missing $10 million seems to be the issue here, however I could see the league throwing extra Grey Cup's MLSE's way in order to recoup that money.

[Rich]

Too many moving pieces are preventing a deal from happening anytime soon. There is a vacuum at the top of MLSE and also at the top of the CFL at this moment. How can you possibly make a deal without someone with a vision and a mandate heading up each organization?

Tannenbaum has taken some initiative, and I guess it's possible he could personally take ownership of the Argonauts, but it seems to me that would further complicate an already fractious MLSE boardroom. I'm sure MLSE would love to operate 10+ Argo home dates at BMO, but how can that decision be made without the input of the CEO who would be be responsible for it?

The only way to get around that might be if Tom Anselmi was picked as CFL commish. He knows where all the secret rooms are at MLSE, and might be able to broker a deal before Liewicki's replacement is chosen, which was supposed to be what, June?

[ArgoRavi]

Braley's other team is also struggling to sell tickets despite some notable off-season moves:

CKWX recently reported #BCLions have only renewed 65 per cent of last year’s season-ticket holders.... #CFL via @FifthQtr

— CFL News (@CFL_News) March 3, 2015

It would be great to see Braley sell both of his franchises soon although I am not holding my breath.

[AngeloV]

Braley's other team is also struggling to sell tickets despite some notable off-season moves:

CKWX recently reported #BCLions have only renewed 65 per cent of last year’s season-ticket holders.... #CFL via @FifthQtr

— CFL News (@CFL_News) March 3, 2015

It would be great to see Braley sell both of his franchises soon although I am not holding my breath.

I saw that on twitter too, Ravi. Along with the suggestion that the Lions will be playing the pre-season game at UBC. I think it's pretty sad that both of Braley's teams are struggling to sell enough tickets whreas they need to play their home exhibition games in small University stadiums to save on 1 extra date of rent. I guess he's using the same strategy to sell tickets in B.C. as he is in Toronto. "Call us, because we won't call you."

If it wasn't for Bobby Ackles doing all the ground work to get their corporate season ticket base up prior to his unfortunate passing, I'm willing to bet the Lions would struggling just as bad as the Argos.

[Neely2005]

Is a decline in season ticket sales after hosting a Greg Cup normal?

[ArgoRavi]

Is a decline in season ticket sales after hosting a Greg Cup normal?

It isn't unusual although this particular decline seems steep and continues a steady decline since Bob Ackles' death in 2008.

[Fumblitis]

It doesn't help that the Seahawks two hours away from Vancouver has stolen the limelight from the CFL.

[gilthethrill]

It isn't unusual although this particular decline seems steep and continues a steady decline since Bob Ackles' death in 2008.

Hard to believe Mr Ackles has been gone for that long. The CFL has really felt an negative impact with his passing.

[argotom]

It doesn't help that the Seahawks two hours away from Vancouver has stolen the limelight from the CFL.

Not a factor that has always been there.

[argolio]

Not a factor that has always been there.

Definitely a factor. They've marketed a lot harder to Canadians the last few years.

[VANRIDERFAN]

Definitely a factor. They've marketed a lot harder to Canadians the last few years.

Actually the Lions and Seahawks have done joint marketing ventures. I think the Seahawks actually asked permission from the Lions to do marketing in the lower mainland. It is too bad that there hasn't been the the number of americans coming up to Vancouver to watch the Lions.
Although, several times I have been watching a CFL game in a bar in Victoria and there are some American Tourist who ask me about the game. I explain the rules, history and that I enjoy watching both leagues. I don't know if I have convinced any of them to watch more CFL, but I have never had a negative reaction (Your game sucks or something like that) from any Americans I have talked to.

[Argo57]

Braley's other team is also struggling to sell tickets despite some notable off-season moves:

CKWX recently reported #BCLions have only renewed 65 per cent of last year’s season-ticket holders.... #CFL via @FifthQtr

— CFL News (@CFL_News) March 3, 2015

It would be great to see Braley sell both of his franchises soon although I am not holding my breath.

The Lions are 3-5 years behind the Argonauts in their decline to irrelevance.

[Godfather]

The Lions are 3-5 years behind the Argonauts in their decline to irrelevance.

There are still four months before the season starts to get more people to renew.

However I do agree that it is time for Braley to exit the CFL and hand over agros ownership to MLSE and the Lions to the owners of the Canucks ASAP.

Thanks for all that you have done Braley but it is time to move on.

[Fumblitis]

Actually the Lions and Seahawks have done joint marketing ventures. I think the Seahawks actually asked permission from the Lions to do marketing in the lower mainland. It is too bad that there hasn't been the the number of americans coming up to Vancouver to watch the Lions.
Although, several times I have been watching a CFL game in a bar in Victoria and there are some American Tourist who ask me about the game. I explain the rules, history and that I enjoy watching both leagues. I don't know if I have convinced any of them to watch more CFL, but I have never had a negative reaction (Your game sucks or something like that) from any Americans I have talked to.

I've met a few Americans that have not only like the CFL but embrace it. As for the Seahawks, winning draws fans and with the high success of Seahawks the last few years, it's definitely part of why there's been a drop off. I also think Braley has spread himself too thin.

[Mightygoose]

I wonder how the renewal rates compare to the non Braley owned teams?

[T-Bone]

Braley's other team is also struggling to sell tickets despite some notable off-season moves:

CKWX recently reported #BCLions have only renewed 65 per cent of last year’s season-ticket holders.... #CFL via @FifthQtr

— CFL News (@CFL_News) March 3, 2015

It would be great to see Braley sell both of his franchises soon although I am not holding my breath.

I really don't like it when percentages are used for this type of thing because they are misleading. Actual numbers are much more informative.

[Fumblitis]

I really don't like it when percentages are used for this type of thing because they are misleading. Actual numbers are much more informative.

Not to mention it's only the beginning of March.

[1argoholic]

The Argos should have a solid 2,500 season ticket holders with Braley's amazing three person office staff and zero word of The Argonauts to be heard anywhere. Just will never understand what the hell this fool is thinking.

[Fumblitis]

The Argos should have a solid 2,500 season ticket holders with Braley's amazing three person office staff and zero word of The Argonauts to be heard anywhere. Just will never understand what the hell this fool is thinking.

Maybe his shoestring budget and desire to stop bleeding money is playing right into MLSE's hands. The value of the franchise isn't going up as long as Braley holds on to the team. MLSE will swoop in at the 11th hour and get a fire sale deal much like when Rogers bought the Skydome for next to nothing.