TSN signs new deal with CFL

[Ballstothewall]

According to the Globe and Mail, TSN used it exclusive rights clause to sign the CFL TV deal for another 5 years. TSN had till Thur of this week to make the deal or the CFL tv rights went up for all bidders. Reports are that the CFL has double it's money from 17 million per season to 34 million per season. TSN may also give some games to CBC.

[bluto]

great news for the league!

TSN has been excellent as a partner.

(now if they can find someone better than Rod Black...)

[argos1873]

Really great news for the league, glad to see the doubling of revenue, and TSN sure has been an excellent partner, and IMHO deserves a lot of the credit for the recent resurgence of interest in the game. I did however somewhat wish it went to the old days, of TSN and CBC, so at least I could get some OTA games with the antenna as I've cancelled my cable with Rogers. However for 5 bucks a month, I pay for a DNS redirecting service called www.unotelly.com (http://www.unotelly.com) and am able to stream all of the ESPN3 streams to my Google TV box, right on to my big screen at HD quality.

[Invader]

According to the Globe and Mail, TSN used it exclusive rights clause to sign the CFL TV deal for another 5 years. TSN had till Thur of this week to make the deal or the CFL tv rights went up for all bidders. Reports are that the CFL has double it's money from 17 million per season to 34 million per season. TSN may also give some games to CBC.
Wow, that's really hard to believe, the contract doubling? I had thought a 30-50% increase was reasonable. Maybe TSN will farm out Sunday games to CBC so they can concentrate pn the NFL? TSN seems to do zero promotion of their Sunday CFL games during the NFL season, anyways...

[Ballstothewall]

Wow, that's really hard to believe, the contract doubling? I had thought a 30-50% increase was reasonable. Maybe TSN will farm out Sunday games to CBC so they can concentrate pn the NFL? TSN seems to do zero promotion of their Sunday CFL games during the NFL season, anyways...
Last deal the league did about 1.8 million per team, this deal looks to be about 3.6 per team

[OV Argo]

Wow, that's really hard to believe, the contract doubling? I had thought a 30-50% increase was reasonable. Maybe TSN will farm out Sunday games to CBC so they can concentrate pn the NFL? TSN seems to do zero promotion of their Sunday CFL games during the NFL season, anyways...

I find it hard to believe too - though the CFL certainly deserves wayyyyyyyyyyyyy more money than they were getting from the last contract - what with CFL ratings being 2nd only in Canada to the NHL as a sports property; TSN has been great for the CFL - yeah, I get that to some degree, but it's been over-stated and over-rated IMO; they could do way better: like replacing clown announcers like Rod Black & Suitor; or more pre & post game features; or refusing to EVER let CFL games be not shown in their entirety so they can show the end of some mickey mouse golf tournament that is readily available on another channel anyways, and putting the GC on CTV - a traditional national network. TSN owned by CTV - which has a vested interest to hype the hell out of the NFL - yeah, that's just swell.

We'll see how it goes; and i believe it would be a good idea to let another broadcaster have a go at showing at least one CFL game per week - are TSN going to farm that out though?

The CFL needs to be treated with way more respect in it's own country IMO, and that includes with it's television presentation; sorry for offending TSN lovers who feel they are so incredible with their CFL presentation.

[Wobbler]

Like Invader and OV, I need more evidence than "Reports are that the CFL has double it's money" before I believe it.

[Ballstothewall]

Last deal the league did about 1.8 million per team, this deal looks to be about 3.6 per team
And if this deal is true, the CFL just went to 6 out of 8 teams breaking even or making a profit, to 8 out of 9 making a profit and for most of these teams, that profit will be 7 figures. This makes the league very attractive for new ownership groups to step forward. Also the Argos could break even with a little luck

[tc23]

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/football/tsnrds-to-retain-exclusive-cfl-broadcast-rights/article8104468/

[argolio]

Great news on the increase from $17M to $34M if that's true, though each team wouldn't quite get double per year since adding Ottawa will divide the pie nine ways instead of eight.

I'd love to see the Grey Cup on CTV. Hard to believe they might actually make more money broadcasting their regular Sunday night crap-o-rama lineup.

As for CBC, some are suggesting they will lose (or not bid on) Hockey Night in Canada when that contract expires in 2013-14, so perhaps they'd be more open to welcoming back CFL games under that scenario. It could also be possible in this era of government deficits that CBC plans to phase out pro sports altogether.

[KCargosfan]

Guess Argotom was wrong on getting $50 million per year... shocking.

[doubleblue]

I wonder if the CFL is receiving anything yet for their US broadcasts. Maybe they can hit ArgoTom's 50 million target yet adding everything together.

Also wonder where this leaves the Salary Cap going forward from 2014. I would think the CFLPA will be asking for a bump up for the Cap and maybe a slight increase in roster size. But I don't have a problem with the 46 man roster as is, maybe add a spot for a Canadian QB to develop. I can see the League agreeing to add one Canadian QB if the PA will agree to add another DI.

[ArgoRavi]

I wonder if the CFL is receiving anything yet for their US broadcasts. Maybe they can hit ArgoTom's 50 million target yet adding everything together.

Also wonder where this leaves the Salary Cap going forward from 2014. I would think the CFLPA will be asking for a bump up for the Cap and maybe a slight increase in roster size. But I don't have a problem with the 46 man roster as is, maybe add a spot for a Canadian QB to develop. I can see the League agreeing to add one Canadian QB if the PA will agree to add another DI.

Please, please, please do not increase roster sizes any further. Roster sizes are too big as they are and there is now too much specialization in this league. I would love to see players' salaries go up but roster sizes reduced back to a 40 player active roster. However, I know that a roster reduction will not happen.

[doubleblue]

Please, please, please do not increase roster sizes any further. Roster sizes are too big as they are and there is now too much specialization in this league. I would love to see players' salaries go up but roster sizes reduced back to a 40 player active roster. However, I know that a roster reduction will not happen.

You shouldn't be against adding a Canadian QB Ravi. I hear you about adding more DI's though which will make for more specialization and help the defenses, but the PA will be wanting more jobs. There is always give and take in the Owners/Player talks. I wouldn't be surprised to see the League wanting to go with 6 Canadian starters with Ottawa coming in 2014. They tried to go down to 4 in the last round of contract talks, if I remember correctly.

[KCargosfan]

You shouldn't be against adding a Canadian QB Ravi. I hear you about adding more DI's though which will make for more specialization and help the defenses, but the PA will be wanting more jobs. There is always give and take in the Owners/Player talks. I wouldn't be surprised to see the League wanting to go with 6 Canadian starters with Ottawa coming in 2014. They tried to go down to 4 in the last round of contract talks, if I remember correctly.

I don't recall that, but any reduction in Canadian starters would be dumb, and it's not going to happen. I wouldn't mind an increase in the active game roster to 44, but overall roster sizes don't need to be increased from 46.

Remember, with Ottawa coming back, there are already going to be another 53 jobs (including practice roster), with at least 21 being Canadian, so I'm not sure the CFLPA will have much leverage in increasing roster sizes.

Personally, I would like to see the league minimum boosted to $50K, which would be $2,777 per week not including preseason pay.

[ArgoRavi]

You shouldn't be against adding a Canadian QB Ravi. I hear you about adding more DI's though which will make for more specialization and help the defenses, but the PA will be wanting more jobs. There is always give and take in the Owners/Player talks. I wouldn't be surprised to see the League wanting to go with 6 Canadian starters with Ottawa coming in 2014. They tried to go down to 4 in the last round of contract talks, if I remember correctly.

There aren't nine Canadian QBs capable of playing at the pro level IMO. As for a reduction in starting Canadians, I don't know why this would happen considering that there were 10 non-imports starting for many years in a nine-team league. With amateur Canadian football talent being as good as ever now, it makes no sense for the number of Canadian starters to be further reduced IMO.

[argotom]

Guess Argotom was wrong on getting $50 million per year... shocking.


How do you know they didn't?
Dowbiggen in the article said the league was looking to get more than double the current $17M.
I certainly hope so as anything less than my figure is not proper value.
On top of which there will be 9 more games in 14, with Ottawa coming.
I will say it again, the playoffs and GC must be shown on the CTV main network.

[argotom]

I don't recall that, but any reduction in Canadian starters would be dumb, and it's not going to happen. I wouldn't mind an increase in the active game roster to 44, but overall roster sizes don't need to be increased from 46.

Remember, with Ottawa coming back, there are already going to be another 53 jobs (including practice roster), with at least 21 being Canadian, so I'm not sure the CFLPA will have much leverage in increasing roster sizes.

Personally, I would like to see the league minimum boosted to $50K, which would be $2,777 per week not including preseason pay.


The cap will have to be increased to some serious money, a minimum $5M.
While we are at it, why not have a franchise player rule excluded from the cap.
Also and no one has provided an answer to my previous query as to why all 46 players are not playing instead of 42 from the 46?
I am calling for an increase in the roster size, to 50 and let everyone play.
Then we can shrink the PR to 4 from 6.

[argotom]

I wonder if the CFL is receiving anything yet for their US broadcasts. Maybe they can hit ArgoTom's 50 million target yet adding everything together.

Also wonder where this leaves the Salary Cap going forward from 2014. I would think the CFLPA will be asking for a bump up for the Cap and maybe a slight increase in roster size. But I don't have a problem with the 46 man roster as is, maybe add a spot for a Canadian QB to develop. I can see the League agreeing to add one Canadian QB if the PA will agree to add another DI.


I am with you db, the league has to get a serious increase in the contract, which will enable the players to share in this wealth.
In addition to my other suggestions, while we are spending this new found wealth, increase the GC winning purse to $25,000 per player and $15,000 for the losing team.

[paulwoods13]

The cap will have to be increased to some serious money, a minimum $5M.
While we are at it, why not have a franchise player rule excluded from the cap.
Also and no one has provided an answer to my previous query as to why all 46 players are not playing instead of 42 from the 46?
I am calling for an increase in the roster size, to 50 and let everyone play.
Then we can shrink the PR to 4 from 6.

Three for three on suggestions I disagree with.

[OV Argo]

You shouldn't be against adding a Canadian QB Ravi. I hear you about adding more DI's though which will make for more specialization and help the defenses, but the PA will be wanting more jobs. There is always give and take in the Owners/Player talks. I wouldn't be surprised to see the League wanting to go with 6 Canadian starters with Ottawa coming in 2014. They tried to go down to 4 in the last round of contract talks, if I remember correctly.


The CFLPA may have to be satisfied with the CFL saying we're adding more jobs with a new Ottawa team; they have little leverage to dictate anything to CFL thinkers - they will fight for more jobs and better pay of course; the number of NIs on CFL rosters relative to imports has gone down - the majority of players in the "radically canadian" CFL are now American (so if it came to a vote ...), and the CFLPA did nothing to stop this. Look for CFL decision makers to continue to add more import spots at the expense of Canadian players - they will argue the NI talent pool is too thin, and that with an extra team, there isn't enough NI talent to go around - and inspite of the CFL past Ravi - the good ole boys would love to add more of their guys and argue it would improve the "calibre" of the game/play - they wouldn't mind at all as many imports playing as they could get and few NIs as possible starting/playing - a few Canadian back-ups would suit them and maintain some sort of Canadian-ness to the league. And they don't give a rat's @$$ about Canadians getting a shot to play QB - so there will be no changes there -still won't count on the roster/ratio and no incentive to give them a shot.

CFL rosters are already big enough, and I'd argue for a reduction; the 46 man stuff is nonsense IMO, and so is the silly DI rule - just an excuse to allow more import content; go with a 40 man game roster and a 6 or 7 man PR - and this would mean an increase in pay across the board for all players - the CFLPA should welcome an average pay increase, but would probably fight against a reduction in roster numbers - so tough call for them, but, they have no real say anyways. I agree with KC that the minimum CFL salary should go up - and by a decent amount if this new, supposedly lucrative TV contract is a reality (plus other modern sources of revenue - like CFL merchandise/gear)

Personally - and i realize this would never happen - I'd like to see CFL rosters at 40 - with 23 NIs and 17 imports (and no DIs, and QBs count in the ratio); theoretically - that could mean fully 2 thirds of both CFL offences and defences could be manned by import starters, with the extra guy being a specialist (kicker or returner); but I guess that just wouldn't be enough import content in the good ole CFL, and would create some huge "ratio problems" for the good ole boys, Some might argue that the Canadian talent pool has increased over the years - more and better CIS programs, still lots of Canadians getting fine US college ball training, still some very good Junior programs up here (see Andrew Harris) - but you'd never get that from the "modern" CFL - they love to think the other way. A lot of top NI talent may make CFL rosters (with yearly top players getting totally ignored/over-looked in the CFL draft, or with top talent confined to the bench or as special teamers mostly) = a lot of Canadian football talent gets little real shot to play in the pro league in their own country, IMO = that is kinda sad.

[R.J]

Deal doesn't sound like it's in place yet.
http://blair-necessities.blogspot.ca/2013/02/super-bowl-talk-with-chamblincfl-talk.html

Via @CFLNews (https://twitter.com/CFL_News), quotes are from the audio segment above.

Cuthbert .@CCtsn via @mblairregina:"There's a new TV deal that's on the way.Wherever it lands its going to land in better place for #CFL."

Chris Cuthbert .@CCtsn via @mblairregina:"Money-wise it's (new TV deal) going to be good for the league & good for the players." #CFL

Cuthbert .@CCtsn via @mblairregina:"It (#CFL) hasn't gotten the respect that it should get as the 2nd biggest property in Cdn. television "

Chris Cuthbert .@CCtsn via @mblairregina:"A lot of naysers don't want to acknowledge the (TV ratings) numbers. That bothers me." #CFL

Chris Cuthbert .@CCtsn via @mblairregina:"After the NHL, it's (CFL) the second most watched sport in the country." #CFL

[Argonauter]

Deal doesn't sound like it's in place yet.
http://blair-necessities.blogspot.ca...ncfl-talk.html

SR I went and looked at Chris Cuthbert's twitter feed @CCtsn (.@CCtsn) to see if anything else interesting was said on there. I couldn't find the quotes you posted. Are you making this up? It's not there.

[jerrym]

Great news concerning the large increase in TV revenue. The players deserve a good chunk of it.

[ArgoRavi]

SR I went and looked at Chris Cuthbert's twitter feed @CCtsn to see if anything else interesting was said on there. I couldn't find the quotes you posted. Are you making this up? It's not there.

I can confirm that Cuthbert said what was quoted during his radio interview.

[AngeloV]

When this deal is finalized, I think it will be the great for the league. I know some on here would have preferred the league when on the open market in an effort to get the most cash possible out of this deal, but I for one, am ecstatic they are staying with TSN. There is more to league success than just getting fast cash. Without TSN, promoting the league the way they have, and the way nobody else had in the past, I really think this league may have died. There is nothing wrong with a slow rise to ultimate success. IMO, it beats grabbing a quick buck.

[KCargosfan]

When this deal is finalized, I think it will be the great for the league. I know some on here would have preferred the league when on the open market in an effort to get the most cash possible out of this deal, but I for one, am ecstatic they are staying with TSN. There is more to league success than just getting fast cash. Without TSN, promoting the league the way they have, and the way nobody else had in the past, I really think this league may have died. There is nothing wrong with a slow rise to ultimate success. IMO, it beats grabbing a quick buck.

Agreed. I think one of the reasons for the success of the NBA in the 90s was the production value NBC put into it. They hyped every game with promos, had possibly the greatest sports anthem ever in "Roundball Rock" by John Tesh of all people, had great game introductions/previews where you felt that was the most important thing in the world and had good broadcasters.

While not to that degree, I think TSN does the same for the CFL in hyping it. Some overdramatic pregame introductions with music would be good additions. Also, I know that people think Rod Black sucks as a broadcaster, but he does overdramatize and overhype things like some of those NBA announcers back in the 90s.

[Argonauter]

I can confirm that Cuthbert said what was quoted during his radio interview.

Thanks Ravi. I found it myself too after doing a search on google for it. Snow Rogue cut out the original tweeter and didn't give the proper credit which is poor messageboard etiquette.

[Argonauter]

When this deal is finalized, I think it will be the great for the league. I know some on here would have preferred the league when on the open market in an effort to get the most cash possible out of this deal, but I for one, am ecstatic they are staying with TSN. There is more to league success than just getting fast cash. Without TSN, promoting the league the way they have, and the way nobody else had in the past, I really think this league may have died. There is nothing wrong with a slow rise to ultimate success. IMO, it beats grabbing a quick buck.

I'm hoping it's at least over 30 million.

[AngeloV]

I'm hoping it's at least over 30 million.

I'm hoping it is too. All I'm saying (hypothetically) is that I'd rather take a few million less from TSN, knowing what proud broadcasters they are of the product, than go to someone like sprotsnet for perhaps a few million more, but not knowing what they would actually put into the product.

[argolio]

The cap will have to be increased to some serious money, a minimum $5M.
The cap increased from $4.2M in 2009 to $4.4M in 2013, and minimum salaries from $41,000 to $45,000. Too early to say what the next CBA might bring.

[Ballstothewall]

The cap increased from $4.2M in 2009 to $4.4M in 2013, and minimum salaries from $41,000 to $45,000. Too early to say what the next CBA might bring.
Agreed. Why would the league, up the cap due to more TV money when they have no contractual agreement to due so with the players. Yes show good faith and increase it by 200,000 and add some pension money. But with this no TV money, CFL teams will be able to make 7 figures profits. This is good for the league as a whole and should attract new investors and good ownership groups to come forward.

[doubleblue]

I would think that the CFLPA will have to negoiate a raise when the current contract is up, unless they had something written in that they would get a percentage of any new TV money.

[Rich]

Agreed. Why would the league, up the cap due to more TV money when they have no contractual agreement to due so with the players. Yes show good faith and increase it by 200,000 and add some pension money. But with this no TV money, CFL teams will be able to make 7 figures profits. This is good for the league as a whole and should attract new investors and good ownership groups to come forward.

I would argue that they should significantly raise the cap so that they could acquire and retain better and more notable import players, which would increase fan interest and attendance, which should then attract new investors and ownership groups to come forward.

[AngeloV]

I would argue that they should significantly raise the cap so that they could acquire and retain better and more notable import players, which would increase fan interest and attendance, which should then attract new investors and ownership groups to come forward.

Definitely not significantly. Doubling TV money is great, but the majority of revenues still come from tickets sold. It takes about 11 million per year to run the team. With 9 teams, we're looking at less than 4 million per team still. I think the league would be foolish to increase the cap dramatically. The teams need to bank as much money as possible IMO to be prepared for any down seasons in which attendance might drop for teams that aren't doing as well as there fans might like.

[paulwoods13]

Did I miss a story confirming that there is a new TV deal, and that it doubled the previous contract? Or is everyone just assuming that Dowbiggin's week-old report is correct?

[AngeloV]

Did I miss a story confirming that there is a new TV deal, and that it doubled the previous contract? Or is everyone just assuming that Dowbiggin's week-old report is correct?

Definitely the latter, but since we are all talking hypothetically, I thought I too would chime in.

[Ballstothewall]

I would argue that they should significantly raise the cap so that they could acquire and retain better and more notable import players, which would increase fan interest and attendance, which should then attract new investors and ownership groups to come forward.

If the cap is 4.4 or even up to 5 million, you will still get the same talent level,

[argotom]

When the contract is actually signed, it's time for the players to receive a decent raise by therefore increasing the cap to a minimum $5M.

[ArgoRavi]

I would think that the CFLPA will have to negoiate a raise when the current contract is up, unless they had something written in that they would get a percentage of any new TV money.

Did the CFLPA not have as part of their CBA an agreement that they would get a percentage of revenues? I thought that they had that at least in their previous collective agreement but I am not sure if that was in their most recent one or not.

[Invader]

I think the story was TSN exercised their option to negotiate an exclusive TV contract with the CFL. The G&M said the league "hoped to double the revenue"...but the financial details still have to be negotiated. The new contract comes into effect in 2014.

Even if team's TV revenue doubled that would amount to about $3 million (or about 20% of avg team revenues.) So 80% still has to be generated through tickets, sponsorships and merchandise sales.

The league shouldn't be in too much of a hurry to tear up the CBA, which was just recently negotiated...with growth in TV revenue anticipated.

[Ballstothewall]

I think the story was TSN exercised their option to negotiate an exclusive TV contract with the CFL. The G&M said the league "hoped to double the revenue"...but the financial details still have to be negotiated. The new contract comes into effect in 2014.

Even if team's TV revenue doubled that would amount to about $3 million (or about 20% of avg team revenues.) So 80% still has to be generated through tickets, sponsorships and merchandise sales.

The league shouldn't be in too much of a hurry to tear up the CBA, which was just recently negotiated...with growth in TV revenue anticipated.

According to the Riders balance sheet, which i get as a stock holder. Each team rec 1.8 Million from TV rights, last year

[Invader]

According to the Riders balance sheet, which i get as a stock holder. Each team rec 1.8 Million from TV rights, last year
You're right, team disbursements from the league are $1.8 to 2 million but that includes league sponsorships not just TV revenue (minus team fines and penalties).

[argolio]

When the contract is actually signed, it's time for the players to receive a decent raise by therefore increasing the cap to a minimum $5M.That will be negotiated, as always, by the CFL and CFLPA in collective bargaining.


Did the CFLPA not have as part of their CBA an agreement that they would get a percentage of revenues? I thought that they had that at least in their previous collective agreement but I am not sure if that was in their most recent one or not.The previous CBA guaranteed 56% of revenues to the players, but the current one has a different model -- specific annual increases for the cap ($50,000) and minimum salaries ($1,000).

The current 4-year CBA expires after the 2013 season.