BMO Field of Dreams! Good luck to the Argos stadium-mates Toronto FC

[Tau Ceti]

Credible valuations of the Roughriders are around $40-45 million. This is "real value," based on actual revenue, expense, profit, etc.

Real valuations of the middle tier of MLS would probably be in a similar range. But the $150 million figure is not based on real value. It's perceived value, which is a different animal. At the end of the day, billionaires are willing to pay $150 for an MLS team because, as others have said, that's what it's worth to them (prestige, city pride, whatever).

No CFL team has a perceived value that high.

[OV Argo]

Credible valuations of the Roughriders are around $40-45 million. This is "real value," based on actual revenue, expense, profit, etc.

Real valuations of the middle tier of MLS would probably be in a similar range. But the $150 million figure is not based on real value. It's perceived value, which is a different animal. At the end of the day, billionaires are willing to pay $150 for an MLS team because, as others have said, that's what it's worth to them (prestige, city pride, whatever).

No CFL team has a perceived value that high.

Wonder what the CFL BOG (hey - GOB spelled bacwards) types would be asking for an Atlantic expansion team franchise fee ?

IMO - they should bend over backwards to let them in for free basically - cause it would be such a huge shot in the arm for the league and all franchises; but that would fly in the face of biz-ness/profit motive & gouging deep thinking.

Also wonder what old cheap-skate Braley is expecting to get for the Lions? - did I hear he was asking 15 mil ? = that's a total joke IMO.

[AngeloV]

Wonder what the CFL BOG (hey - GOB spelled bacwards) types would be asking for an Atlantic expansion team franchise fee ?

IMO - they should bend over backwards to let them in for free basically - cause it would be such a huge shot in the arm for the league and all franchises; but that would fly in the face of biz-ness/profit motive & gouging deep thinking.

Also wonder what old cheap-skate Braley is expecting to get for the Lions? - did I hear he was asking 15 mil ? = that's a total joke IMO.

I agree with you OV. Maybe have them put up some operating capital to prove they can handle things, but I agree expansion fee if they get greedy could be a deal breaker.

[argos1873]

I agree with you OV. Maybe have them put up some operating capital to prove they can handle things, but I agree expansion fee if they get greedy could be a deal breaker.

I agree with the free or low expansion fee, as the CFL would actually be the main benefactor in this arrangement and all the risk lays on the investor, HOWEVER, how do you season seat holders feel when someone gets a seat for cheaper than you paid, because the team is desperate to put butts in the seats? Some may think its good, but many will think why did they put all this money upfront, only to have other's get even cheaper seats, at a moments notice. Also, what's the argument of some people against the Argos for example pricing their seats too low? It devalues the product. Seriously what would the sports/business world think of the CFL if they gave a franchise away for free? Only in the extreme case where this franchise somehow lifts the CFL into the sporting stratosphere would this look like a good deal. Otherwise, it will just cement into the naysayers heads that this is a 2 bit league worthy of 2 bit attention. Therefore, the CFL needs to CAREFULLY arrange an expansion fee, one that allows a group to be able to afford it, and one that doesn't make the league look like a complete joke. A fine line indeed.

[Tau Ceti]

Agree with @argos1873. A no fee expansion devalues the league. To reuse a term from above, it reinforces the perceived value of CFL teams as nil.

Rather like an engagement ring, the expansion fee shows the suitor has financial means and is serious about commitment.

Finally, there are real burdens for existing teams: expansion draft, travel costs, diminished TV share, etc. I'd offer a $9 million expansion fee and disburse it amongst existing teams. If that's too much for the franchisee then they probably weren't serious about surviving the lean years anyway.

[1971GreyCup]

Wonder what the CFL BOG (hey - GOB spelled bacwards) types would be asking for an Atlantic expansion team franchise fee ?

IMO - they should bend over backwards to let them in for free basically - cause it would be such a huge shot in the arm for the league and all franchises; but that would fly in the face of biz-ness/profit motive & gouging deep thinking.

Also wonder what old cheap-skate Braley is expecting to get for the Lions? - did I hear he was asking 15 mil ? = that's a total joke IMO.

I read somewhere that Ottawa paid an expansion fee of $4.5 -$5 million. I suspect that unless the CFL would like to return this fee, they'd better recover at least that amount from a new team. Look for MLSE to except value-added ideas to the league.

[R.J]

Wonder what the CFL BOG (hey - GOB spelled bacwards) types would be asking for an Atlantic expansion team franchise fee ?

IMO - they should bend over backwards to let them in for free basically - cause it would be such a huge shot in the arm for the league and all franchises; but that would fly in the face of biz-ness/profit motive & gouging deep thinking.

Also wonder what old cheap-skate Braley is expecting to get for the Lions? - did I hear he was asking 15 mil ? = that's a total joke IMO.

Braley reportedly wants around $20 million.

Free expansion team ? I don't think that's a good business move by the League - Basically saying that CFL teams are worthless, and I'm pretty sure the League and it's team are a $200+ million business.

I read somewhere that Ottawa paid an expansion fee of $4.5 -$5 million. I suspect that unless the CFL would like to return this fee, they'd better recover at least that amount from a new team. Look for MLSE to except value-added ideas to the league.

OSEG paid $7 million.