Marketing Partnership Between MLSE and the Bills

[ArgoRavi]

Any thoughts on this? How does promoting the Bills all over Toronto help the Argos??? It feels like the Argos are an afterthought in this partnership. The only positive I see is that it's more clear than ever that Toronto is NEVER getting an NFL franchise of its own, but we already knew this. Also, I have never trusted Keith Pelley to have the Argos' best interests at heart.

[shayman]

I'm pretty disappointed. It's hard to see what the benefit to the Argos is. Plus, at a time when millions of Canadians are trying their best to support Canadian brands and businesses, it's sad to see MLSE cozying up to the Bills.

It'll probably be successful in making more kids into NFL fans, if people want to measure it that way.

I remember hearing how great it was going to be that MLSE was buying the Argos, and putting their supposedly brilliant marketing engine behind the CFL. And I was a little excited when Keith Pelley came back, as I think he was good for the Argos when he was its president.

But - someone who would know told me last year that there is nobody in Canada *less* interested in the CFL than Edward Rogers, and I think we're seeing some proof of that today.

[IssuesMcgee]

This is disturbing.

[RB957]

I'm pretty disappointed. It's hard to see what the benefit to the Argos is. Plus, at a time when millions of Canadians are trying their best to support Canadian brands and businesses, it's sad to see MLSE cozying up to the Bills.

It'll probably be successful in making more kids into NFL fans, if people want to measure it that way.

I remember hearing how great it was going to be that MLSE was buying the Argos, and putting their supposedly brilliant marketing engine behind the CFL. And I was a little excited when Keith Pelley came back, as I think he was good for the Argos when he was its president.

But - someone who would know told me last year that there is nobody in Canada *less* interested in the CFL than Edward Rogers, and I think we're seeing some proof of that today.

Do you think Edward Rogers truly "cares" about any of the teams that he now controls? I don't. I think Edward Rogers cares about building his empire and making money. And if this "partnership" contributes to that, then he will be all for it. That's it.

[Skalbanias_Ghost]

The next couple of years are really going to try your patience as an Argo/CFL fan.
I predict an NFL international Series Game at BMO alternating every year with Montreal beginning in 2027.

[IssuesMcgee]

The next couple of years are really going to try your patience as an Argo/CFL fan.
I predict an NFL international Series Game at BMO alternating every year with Montreal beginning in 2027.

I don't see that happening in Canada ever again. If your job is to make money, why would you set up shop in a place that barely supports its own teams? People can loudly declare an NFL team in Toronto would sell out every game all they want but if you are not from here, there is zero evidence to support that.

[gilthethrill]

I was unaware the Bills needed MLSE's help with marketing in Southern Ontario.

[ArgoZ]

Press conference was so weird. Pinball, Flutie, and Pelly speaking a lot of words, but giving absolutely zero info on what this partnership really means. Sorry, I guess some kids are going to play in a game. Totally bizarre.

[ARGO57]

The next couple of years are really going to try your patience as an Argo/CFL fan.
I predict an NFL international Series Game at BMO alternating every year with Montreal beginning in 2027.

I don't see that happening in Canada ever again. If your job is to make money, why would you set up shop in a place that barely supports its own teams? People can loudly declare an NFL team in Toronto would sell out every game all they want but if you are not from here, there is zero evidence to support that.

I think an NFL franchise in Toronto would be successful but for various reasons it will never happen.
Franchise fees and the cost of building a stadium would be astronomical to say the least.
The regular fan would not be able to afford tickets so the corporate clientele and private boxes would rule the day.
As CFL fans we are lucky to be able to enjoy professional football at very affordable prices.

[RB957]

I was unaware the Bills needed MLSE's help with marketing in Southern Ontario.

You are right. I don't think they do. Before this year, upwards of 20% of fans at their home games were Canadians.

I wonder if this is the first salvo in a play to wrest the Canadian TV rights for the NFL away from TSN?