The Canadian Football League (CFL) has signed a series of groundbreaking media agreements that will redefine how fans across Canada and around the world access and experience Canadian football, setting the stage for the league's next phase of growth.
Headlined by a renewed commitment from majority partner Bell Media and the introduction of DAZN as a major new broadcast partner. Collectively, these domestic and global partnerships represent the largest media rights deal in league history.
"These record-setting agreements mark a transformative moment for the CFL," said CFL Commissioner Stewart Johnston. "They reflect the deep passion of our powerful fanbase and the accelerating momentum of our league. We are thrilled to be aligning ourselves with Bell Media, Canada's leading media entertainment company, DAZN, the world's leading sports entertainment platform, and YouTube, the world's largest video platform. Together, they will unlock new CFL audiences, deliver worldclass entertainment and put the CFL in prime position for its next era of growth."
https://www.cfl.ca/2026/05/28/a-new-era-cfl-announces-landmark-media-agreements-in-canada-and-globally/
Cole's notes: it's mostly TSN in Canada but you need DAZN for some games (Saturday night and some playoffs). YouTube bought in too.
Thoughts? :)
I think will be good, more exposure and hopefully will help the bottom line. Some fans will not like losing TSN as one stop shop.
i subscribe to DAZN already for their NFL lineup - it's not cheap so there will be complaints about paying for that one cfl game per week.
this is how you generate revenue and keep the league viable.
this iS moving away from grandpa's CFL...will it work? we shall see.
hope the production values go way up - TSN was stale years ago
How is introducing another pay platform helping? Stewart Johnston just wrote the manual on how to kill a league in 2 years.
Quote from: The Zipp on May 28, 2026, 01:03:08 PMhope the production values go way up - TSN was stale years ago
How does RDS have all the playoff games but TSN doesn't?
lots of numbers being thrown around, i do trust Naylor:
Based on Dan's reporting, this means the league's annual broadcast revenues will jump, by my calculations, from roughly $50 million per season to about $84 million. Meaningful increase that will show-up on the 2028 salary cap.
Quote from: Waffler on May 28, 2026, 01:05:56 PMHow is introducing another pay platform helping? Stewart Johnston just wrote the manual on how to kill a league in 2 years.
34 million per year in extra revenue helps
I'm all in for growing the fanbase of the league. Even if it means I have to use new and mixed mediums to watch it. Frankly, I'm so grateful for what TSN has done for the CFL over the past few decades, but it would be refreshing to get a different slant from a different broadcaster once in a while.
Not a fan of paying an extra $30 per month for 6-7 months for one game a week. I already pay alot for TSN, and its the only reason I've kept cable. I would not watch any other content on DANZ, just CFL. I won't subscribe, and hopefully will watch Saturday games after the fact on youtube. Not sure how that's going to help the league, but maybe I'm an outlier.
Pretty ambitious both in scope and supposed financial gains. More exposure across multiple platforms can't hurt, IMO. Although, that shouldn't necessarily come at increased cost to viewers and TSN getting fewer games isn't a good thing.
(https://y.yarn.co/9a88a881-9f4c-4bb3-8f0c-56946069f63f_text.gif)
Quote from: Waffler on May 28, 2026, 01:08:01 PMHow does RDS have all the playoff games but TSN doesn't?
Because francophone.
I don't like adding another streaming service for one game a week.
I understand there have been a few complaints about TSN stagnating and bringing in another broadcaster, so in that context, this is a good and beneficial move.
Much like the new play-off model, there is a clear and direct method for increased revenue for the league (on the back of fans, of course).
Now, the problem I still have are the field changes. Which is the biggest change overall and one that has no direct tie to revenue, it's still a case of "trust us, bro". There are many things that make this league great and they are chipping away at them. So while they can pat themselves on the back for increasing revenue, they are also taking away the affordability of the league. It's hard to even get upset anymore. It's just a general sad feeling that I'm losing something I care a lot about.
Quote from: bunker on May 28, 2026, 01:15:26 PMNot a fan of paying an extra $30 per month for 6-7 months for one game a week. I already pay alot for TSN, and its the only reason I've kept cable. I would not watch any other content on DANZ, just CFL. I won't subscribe, and hopefully will watch Saturday games after the fact on youtube. Not sure how that's going to help the league, but maybe I'm an outlier.
Yes that's going to be a problem is you need that extra platform with associated cost. If TSN is only broadcasting 60 games that means about 20 games they aren't broadcasting.
Many older retired folks ( mike me ) aren't going to pay for that.
at 30/month for 4 games that is $7.50 per game to watch 3 hours of entertainment. Basically the price of one beer at a restaurant.
not long ago people were crying for more pay per use functionality with respect to tv packages etc.
now you have it - maybe DAZN will have some promotional pricing to start off this new venture.
Quote from: The Zipp on May 28, 2026, 02:14:49 PMat 30/month for 4 games that is $7.50 per game to watch 3 hours of entertainment. Basically the price of one beer at a restaurant.
not long ago people were crying for more pay per use functionality with respect to tv packages etc.
now you have it - maybe DAZN will have some promotional pricing to start off this new venture.
Everything sounds more affordable when you break it down per use, but with the rise of inflation another additional expense is too much for people who are already cost cutting.
We don't know if we need DAZN or DAZN+ for this service, but the monthly hit is higher than the yearly rate. At minimum, people will have to pay $250 for the CFL season and it may be higher. Plus whatever they pay for TSN, plus attending games, plus merch, etc, etc, etc.
So I just read the announcement, and I'm officially pissed off. I have to pay for TSN for some of the games and then DAZN to get the rest of them? Crap!
I wonder if it's on DAZN @ the $25/month or DAZN+ @ $45/month?
I hope they get enough subscribers from the younger generation to replace us old folks or else the death clock just got closer to midnight.
I'm impressed with this thread!
Quote from: The Zipp on May 28, 2026, 01:08:02 PMlots of numbers being thrown around, i do trust Naylor:
Based on Dan's reporting, this means the league's annual broadcast revenues will jump, by my calculations, from roughly $50 million per season to about $84 million. Meaningful increase that will show-up on the 2028 salary cap.
I tried to ballpark the math and it will equal about another million to the salary cap. If my Manitoba math is correct, average league salary will be close to 100K USD, if all teams spend to the cap.
Quote from: TBURGESS on May 28, 2026, 02:32:17 PMSo I just read the announcement, and I'm officially pissed off. I have to pay for TSN for some of the games and then DAZN to get the rest of them? Crap!
I wonder if it's on DAZN @ the $25/month or DAZN+ @ $45/month?
I hope they get enough subscribers from the younger generation to replace us old folks or else the death clock just got closer to midnight.
$25 is also only if you commit for the year. It's $35/month if you month by month.
Oh My Goodness.
The guy pens a deal that increases non gate league revenue by 60%, and people are complaining? You know who's NOT complaining? Every CFO of every CFL team.
The NFL does not have 100% game coverage on free network television. Many games are only available through subscription basis. And we all know what a badly run league the NFL is, and how moving from free broadcast to premium services has killed them.
Adding in a youtube element suggests that every game WILL be available for viewing, just maybe not live.
This is why Johnston was brought in, to negotiate the media deal. And this is an out of the park slam.
For those begging for a few extra ducats to sign more talent, or expand rosters, or attract more/better coaches, this is going to probably do all three and then some.
PLUS, this can possibly have a positive gate benefit. If you know your local team's game isn't being broadcast on a service you receive, that might influence whether you attend live. Remember the blackouts?
And before someone jumps up my butt saying I am parroting the leagues talking points, again, this is great news for the league, assuring financial stability going forward. Not sure how much the new rules aided in this deal, making it more modern certainly didn't hurt.
Good job, Stewy, you have earned your salary and the trust the league put in you in spades.
Quote from: peg_city on May 28, 2026, 03:34:57 PMI tried to ballpark the math and it will equal about another million to the salary cap. If my Manitoba math is correct, average league salary will be close to 100K USD, if all teams spend to the cap.
When has paying players more meant a more viable league? We are still never going to have NFL level salaries. What does that make the paying customer? His cash goes to American players and a British streaming service.
All the changes just make me think of a corporation willing decrease package size, willing to save a nickle per package with cheaper and worse tasting ingredients all in the name of making a bonus for the CEO THIS year. Next year he won't care, he'll be doing the same thing somewhere else. Eventually your ravioli tastes like crap and Kraft dinner is too small to make a meal with.
Lost in the X number of dollars promised is quality. Lost is the reason the CFL came into being, local guys Canada wide playing the game for the love of it, cities cheering for their own.
Quote from: theaardvark on May 28, 2026, 04:01:19 PMGood job, Stewy, you have earned your salary and the trust the league put in you in spades.
And as soon as Stew began changing things, I knew this was inevitable.
Because before we even see how any of the changes look in real life, he's sitting there dislocating his shoulder patting himself on the back for what a job he's done. Everything is justified. It's probably one of the reasons everything was announced so quickly, so not matter what he could point to the new money and say "this is why we did it" - even if one thing has nothing to do with the other.
Quote from: Jesse on May 28, 2026, 04:15:24 PMAnd as soon as Stew began changing things, I knew this was inevitable.
Because before we even see how any of the changes look in real life, he's sitting there dislocating his shoulder patting himself on the back for what a job he's done. Everything is justified. It's probably one of the reasons everything was announced so quickly, so not matter what he could point to the new money and say "this is why we did it" - even if one thing has nothing to do with the other.
It has been, and will always be, about growing revenue and profitability for the CEO/ED.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on May 28, 2026, 04:22:56 PMIt has been, and will always be, about growing revenue and profitability for the CEO/ED.
I don't think anyone is denying that. And I can appreciate that some of these moves (ie. the play off structure and tv deal) are directly tied to more revenue.
But the questions many of us have been asking is, how far can you push your stakeholders before they begin to tune out? Is there long-term viability to these changes, or is a new commissioner 6 years from now going to have to deal with the fall out of decreased viewership and attendance when trying to negotiate the next deal?
I think I said in another post that there are many things that make the CFL great. The Canadiana, the uniqueness, the affordability, it's approachability to fans, the 20-yard endzones and general wide-openness of the game. But above all the emotional connection you have for cheering for the team that you grew up watching. And I'm not saying that all of the changes have been 100% bad or without merit, but a lot of them are chipping away at things I appreciate and it's severing that emotional connection I have. And if I lose that, my kids never develop it.
It will be interesting to see how much the viewership numbers drop for the non tsn games. Also how many will be western conference vs east. I wouldn't be surprised if it was less then half the viewers
I am not subscribing to anything new. I already subscribe to more than I need.
So DAZN is covering the playoff games ?? Wow, that's really going to alienate and knock off a lots of viewers.
Incredible !
EDIT .. I see they are covering just 2 of the playoff games.
Quote from: Pete on May 28, 2026, 04:40:12 PMIt will be interesting to see how much the viewership numbers drop for the non tsn games. Also how many will be western conference vs east. I wouldn't be surprised if it was less then half the viewers
You have to believe there are fans that like me watch on TSN that will not sign up to watch on DANZ. Maybe they are hoping some of the non-CFL DANZ subscribers check out the new CFL games, and make up some of the difference. Time will tell.
While it may be new to some CFL fans it's the reality for every sports league these days because it's way more profitable.
Winnipeg Jets games are on TSN, Sportsnet and Prime
NFL games (in the US) are on NBC, ABC, ESPN, Prime, YouTube
The CFL is mostly sticking with TSN but also using YouTube over CFL+ and adding Saturday nights (and two playoff rounds, also on Saturdays) with DAZN.
Seems...kinda basic to me. But whatever. Some people love to be outraged and no one is forcing you to subscribe to anything. You retain your power of free will and the world moves on.
Quote from: bunker on May 28, 2026, 04:56:29 PMYou have to believe there are fans that like me watch on TSN that will not sign up to watch on DANZ. Maybe they are hoping some of the non-CFL DANZ subscribers check out the new CFL games, and make up some of the difference. Time will tell.
Don't think more people will watch on DAZN. Probably less people watch those games but they end up making more money due to how licensing works. It also works to create some accountability and competition within the broadcast partners which IS a very good outcome and will keep Bell/TSN honest. They aren't the only game in town. Also allows the league to slowly get the CFL audience used to DAZN should they want to continue to change the broadcast mix in Canada over time if that's where the money is.
The question is, though, not whether CFL fans will subscribe to new services, or whether there will be more or less eyes on the game (although we do hope to increase that), but how many $$$ does this generate.
And that is a defined given for the near future, and its is a LOT more than present.
Will not being able to see the game on free TV affect the gate short or long term? I guess we will see. But radically increased TV revenue will displace any gate losses, without a doubt. Gate losses that could be natural or linked to the TV deal.
So, if your sole metric on the health of the league is pairs of eyes seeing each game, we don't know what the end result is, regardless the doomsayers.
But, if financial liquidity and improving cashflow is the metric you use to define success in the league, Johnston has delivered that in spades.
Seems DAZN wants to bring their online sports betting platform to Ontario. This is probably the reason they want in on the CFL. Make bets on the same platform you watch the game on. Their end game is the gambling profits, not the sports.
https://www.canadiangamingbusiness.com/2025/12/22/dazn-bet-canada/
If the Bombers are playing an away game on a Saturday I might just go to a lounge to watch it.
This would be a great opportunity for a restaurant/lounge to be official viewing party headquarters for teams or for the entire league.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on May 28, 2026, 05:04:25 PMDon't think more people will watch on DAZN. Probably less people watch those games but they end up making more money due to how licensing works. It also works to create some accountability and competition within the broadcast partners which IS a very good outcome and will keep Bell/TSN honest. They aren't the only game in town. Also allows the league to slowly get the CFL audience used to DAZN should they want to continue to change the broadcast mix in Canada over time if that's where the money is.
DAZN is hoping to pick up CFL viewers subscriptions, and get more content to retain current users. And unlike the first kick at the can, they've improved dramatically. I guess the first playoff game month will tell them if they hooked any new viewers.
I watch just about every Jets game, and not sure how many I had to watch on Prime last year, but it was more than one. I happen to subscribe to prime for so many other reasons, so happy accident. No extra out of pocket.
I tried to watch USFL games in the past, but most of those were on services I don't have access to. New eyes thwarted.
I have no doubt there are many CFL fans that subscribe already to DAZN. So it won't affect them. And DAZN reaches a different demo than TSN, so "new eyes" may be a benefit, depending on how they promote it.
Agree to all, Aardvark.
Quote from: wpg#1 on May 28, 2026, 04:54:08 PMI am not subscribing to anything new. I already subscribe to more than I need.
So DAZN is covering the playoff games ?? Wow, that's really going to alienate and knock off a lots of viewers.
Incredible !
EDIT .. I see they are covering just 2 of the playoff games.
That could be really bad. I'd follow the Bombers through the playoff no matter what medium the game was broadcast on, but if they're not in it,
I'd likely tune out rather than jump through extra hoops to watch games I would definitely watch if I had normal access. I might hear the final score on the news, but probably not.
Increasing TV revenue is a good idea. OTOH if the long tern result is that less people watch and go to games live, then it will come back and bite the CFL.
Ticket price increases also potentially increase revenue but only where teams have very strong attendance. What does that do in Edmonton and Toronto to name a couple of cities.
Broadcasting to other areas in the USA or elsewhere in world helps. Restricting or charging to watch games in Canada is not so good.
Quote from: Jesse on May 28, 2026, 04:33:18 PMBut the questions many of us have been asking is, how far can you push your stakeholders before they begin to tune out?
Extremely far. The NBA and NHL have done it. Fans complain about having to pay for multiple streaming services to see all the games but they still remain fans and watch the games.
Netflix announces price increases and their stock surges. Shareholders know nobody is actually cancelling any subscriptions. People are predictable. Lazy. Compliant. Dependent on screen time. What's the alternative? Look out the window or maybe even go outside? They'll complain and do nothing else beside open their wallets.
Huge win for the commish.
Quote from: theaardvark on May 28, 2026, 04:01:19 PMOh My Goodness.
The guy pens a deal that increases non gate league revenue by 60%, and people are complaining? You know who's NOT complaining? Every CFO of every CFL team.
The NFL does not have 100% game coverage on free network television. Many games are only available through subscription basis. And we all know what a badly run league the NFL is, and how moving from free broadcast to premium services has killed them.
Adding in a youtube element suggests that every game WILL be available for viewing, just maybe not live.
This is why Johnston was brought in, to negotiate the media deal. And this is an out of the park slam.
For those begging for a few extra ducats to sign more talent, or expand rosters, or attract more/better coaches, this is going to probably do all three and then some.
PLUS, this can possibly have a positive gate benefit. If you know your local team's game isn't being broadcast on a service you receive, that might influence whether you attend live. Remember the blackouts?
And before someone jumps up my butt saying I am parroting the leagues talking points, again, this is great news for the league, assuring financial stability going forward. Not sure how much the new rules aided in this deal, making it more modern certainly didn't hurt.
Good job, Stewy, you have earned your salary and the trust the league put in you in spades.
It's great that teams will be receiving extra revenue but that increase (at least initially) will be coming out of the pockets of existing CFL fans though increased subscriptions. Maybe it is all about gambling revenue....that would explain a lot of the mystery of what's been happening the last few years.
Quote from: gobombersgo on May 28, 2026, 05:23:50 PMIf the Bombers are playing an away game on a Saturday I might just go to a lounge to watch it.
This is my take as well. Looks like October 3rd (MTL) is the only such game.
Quote from: Stretch on May 28, 2026, 06:20:12 PMThis is my take as well. Looks like October 3rd (MTL) is the only such game.
Unless next year they make it so the Riders and Bombers are playing a bunch of Saturday away games.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on May 28, 2026, 05:44:57 PMThat could be really bad. I'd follow the Bombers through the playoff no matter what medium the game was broadcast on, but if they're not in it, I'd likely tune out rather than jump through extra hoops to watch games I would definitely watch if I had normal access. I might hear the final score on the news, but probably not.
Pretend it's the 60's and listen to the dulcet tones of the crew on 680.
And then "watch" it on youtube later.
Quote from: Blue In BC on May 28, 2026, 05:45:06 PMIncreasing TV revenue is a good idea. OTOH if the long tern result is that less people watch and go to games live, then it will come back and bite the CFL.
Ticket price increases also potentially increase revenue but only where teams have very strong attendance. What does that do in Edmonton and Toronto to name a couple of cities.
Broadcasting to other areas in the USA or elsewhere in world helps. Restricting or charging to watch games in Canada is not so good.
On the other hand, the "blacked out" games might increase sales, and the added television revenue might allow them to incentivize live viewing by sacrificing some of the lower priced seat, getting back to the $5 upper deck EZ sections.
Reducing dependence on gate for black ink is never a bad thing.
Quote from: theaardvark on May 28, 2026, 06:32:34 PMOn the other hand, the "blacked out" games might increase sales, and the added television revenue might allow them to incentivize live viewing by sacrificing some of the lower priced seat, getting back to the $5 upper deck EZ sections.
Reducing dependence on gate for black ink is never a bad thing.
If the teams took this extra revenue and used some of it to cut costs for seats, they'd earn a lot of goodwill.
Unfortunately, ticket prices will be increasing instead, due to the extra play-off game.
Quote from: Stretch on May 28, 2026, 06:20:12 PMThis is my take as well. Looks like October 3rd (MTL) is the only such game.
My bad. Apparently this new deal starts in 2027. Guess I should actually read the whole article.
Quote from: Jesse on May 28, 2026, 02:26:56 PMEverything sounds more affordable when you break it down per use, but with the rise of inflation another additional expense is too much for people who are already cost cuttin
One head of cauliflower is five dollars. Many Groceries at superstore are very very high.
Gas, where I am is $2.12 a litre.
Basic things are very expensive. People are being squeezed hard. Especially many younger people.... The future of the league.
Most People that own football teams don't know about that, and if they do, don't care.
The bombers team is an exception.
It's a good deal for the league - can't argue with the dollar figure. I think it's great we are going from 50M to 83M for TV revenue. That will be very important for league health. More money for the league is always better.
I'm not thrilled that I will now be paying more and take on a new platform when we already live in subscription hell when today I'm already gouged by cable and can at least turn on TSN and get all CFL games. Or I just won't pay it and won't watch Saturday CFL games.
Aardvark says that most CFL fans have DAZN accounts...is this true though?
Quote from: blue_or_die on May 28, 2026, 07:24:36 PMIt's a good deal for the league - can't argue with the dollar figure. I think it's great we are going from 50M to 83M for TV revenue. That will be very important for league health. More money for the league is always better.
I'm not thrilled that I will now be paying more and take on a new platform when we already live in subscription hell when today I'm already gouged by cable and can at least turn on TSN and get all CFL games. Or I just won't pay it and won't watch Saturday CFL games.
Aardvark says that most CFL fans have DAZN accounts...is this true though?
Just guessing but probably not. I usually just subscribe for a few months in the fall. I'll be paying a bit more I guess also, but I'm not totally unhappy about an excuse to have it year round... summer+fall means I would just do the annual fee and call it a day.
Quote from: blue_or_die on May 28, 2026, 07:24:36 PMIt's a good deal for the league - can't argue with the dollar figure. I think it's great we are going from 50M to 83M for TV revenue. That will be very important for league health. More money for the league is always better.
I'm not thrilled that I will now be paying more and take on a new platform when we already live in subscription hell when today I'm already gouged by cable and can at least turn on TSN and get all CFL games. Or I just won't pay it and won't watch Saturday CFL games.
Aardvark says that most CFL fans have DAZN accounts...is this true though?
I don't know if "most CFL fans have DAZN accounts", but I get DAZN every fall to watch NFL. It's always close to being worth it to get the annual package, and now it will easily be worth it.
This seems to be the way of the world. I like watching Winnipeg Jets games, but don't bother buying Sportsnet because there are only a few Jets games on it during the season, and I don't watch anything else on Sportsnet. I miss a few games, and go to a buddy's place for a few games. I think it will be the same for people watching CFL.
Quote from: blue_or_die on May 28, 2026, 07:24:36 PMIt's a good deal for the league - can't argue with the dollar figure. I think it's great we are going from 50M to 83M for TV revenue. That will be very important for league health. More money for the league is always better.
I'm not thrilled that I will now be paying more and take on a new platform when we already live in subscription hell when today I'm already gouged by cable and can at least turn on TSN and get all CFL games. Or I just won't pay it and won't watch Saturday CFL games.
Aardvark says that most CFL fans have DAZN accounts...is this true though?
I did not say that... I said "many" already do. I don't think even a small percentage of them do. DAZN is counting on some of them subscribing, though...
Feel more and more that this will be the last season I watch the CFL. I only subscribe to TSN for the CFL season because honestly there's nothing else besides AEW that I'd watch on it, and I can see 80% of that on YouTube an hour after the show ends.
So now I'm getting 25% less from my TSN subscription and expected to pay 100% more to get that 25% back. There's little to no chance I'll be spending 500 bucks on two streaming services per season. I'll watch the 10 minute highlight package on YouTube and buy myself another guitar with the funds TSN won't be getting.
Hope for the sake of the league this all works out.
Quote from: Pete on May 28, 2026, 04:40:12 PMIt will be interesting to see how much the viewership numbers drop for the non tsn games. Also how many will be western conference vs east. I wouldn't be surprised if it was less then half the viewers
2 seasons ago one of the games was not broadcast on TSN+. It was moved to ctv. They could have done both but they didn't. So anyone like me that had TSN+ but no cable, was out of luck. Even though TSN advertising said TSN+ broadcast all games.
Views of that game, (shock) were down by a lot.
They may not think things through all that well.
We need to increase the number of fans, and fans need to pay an extra $35 a month to watch all the games are mutually exclusive.
I don't have DAZN and I won't pay for it, so my CFL watching will go down by 20% including 2 'playoff' games. I suspect the old fans, like me, will probably do the same.
I won't go to the bar to watch. I'd feel like I was babysitting the grandkids. When was the last time you saw 60+ year olds in your local bar? (Hint: they are still most of the CFL fans)
Cost of living is up hugely. It affects all of us, but those of us on fixed incomes decided on what we needed before the prices took such huge increases. When you remember 10-cent cokes and getting 2 cents back for the bottle or 49.9 an imperial gallon for gas, it's hard not to get mad at $8 packages of bologna or $35 a month to watch something that is currently included. Every dollar the cost of living goes up is a dollar we can't spend on extras.
CFL teams will get extra money for the term of this agreement unless there is an out for DAZN. What happens to the CFL if/when the extra money goes away? Do teams fold cuz they can't pay the bills? Do they go to the CFLPA and tell them they aren't paying players as much anymore? Do the owners take the money and fold? (Ding ding)
When I moved to Mexico, I gave up my season tickets, which I'd had since my mid-twenties in 3 different cities. I thought I was going to really miss going to the games, but it turned out that watching them was good enough. When I came back from Mexico, I never got seasons again, and now I go to 1 game a year when the Bombers come to town.
I bet the same thing happens when 20% of the games go to DAZN. At first, I'll think I'm really going to miss them. Then I'll adjust to the new reality, and I'll watch the replays on YouTube. Then I'll stop watching the replays cuz I know the score. Then... I bet the same thing happens for a lot of folks like me.
Quote from: TBURGESS on May 28, 2026, 10:19:46 PMThen I'll adjust to the new reality, and I'll watch the replays on YouTube. Then I'll stop watching the replays cuz I know the score. Then... I bet the same thing happens for a lot of folks like me.
This point is key. As someone who has spent many seasons in countries where the TSN doesn't like VPNs, if you know the score, the likelihood of even investing 15 minutes decreases substantially.
Quote from: TBURGESS on May 28, 2026, 10:19:46 PMWe need to increase the number of fans, and fans need to pay an extra $35 a month to watch all the games are mutually exclusive.
I don't have DAZN and I won't pay for it, so my CFL watching will go down by 20% including 2 'playoff' games. I suspect the old fans, like me, will probably do the same.
I won't go to the bar to watch. I'd feel like I was babysitting the grandkids. When was the last time you saw 60+ year olds in your local bar? (Hint: they are still most of the CFL fans)
Cost of living is up hugely. It affects all of us, but those of us on fixed incomes decided on what we needed before the prices took such huge increases. When you remember 10-cent cokes and getting 2 cents back for the bottle or 49.9 an imperial gallon for gas, it's hard not to get mad at $8 packages of bologna or $35 a month to watch something that is currently included. Every dollar the cost of living goes up is a dollar we can't spend on extras.
CFL teams will get extra money for the term of this agreement unless there is an out for DAZN. What happens to the CFL if/when the extra money goes away? Do teams fold cuz they can't pay the bills? Do they go to the CFLPA and tell them they aren't paying players as much anymore? Do the owners take the money and fold? (Ding ding)
When I moved to Mexico, I gave up my season tickets, which I'd had since my mid-twenties in 3 different cities. I thought I was going to really miss going to the games, but it turned out that watching them was good enough. When I came back from Mexico, I never got seasons again, and now I go to 1 game a year when the Bombers come to town.
I bet the same thing happens when 20% of the games go to DAZN. At first, I'll think I'm really going to miss them. Then I'll adjust to the new reality, and I'll watch the replays on YouTube. Then I'll stop watching the replays cuz I know the score. Then... I bet the same thing happens for a lot of folks like me.
Sounds like you're not very financially invested to begin with and it also sounds like you're unlikely to be again no matter what the league changes (or doesn't).
I always find it funny. Often it's the people who seemingly have the biggest opinions that are often the least important, financially speaking, as revenue generating customers.
Perfect example here.
I never miss a game - I plan my summer around games even. If I have to start missing a game because I don't have DAZN, then not sure my fandom even continues. I can't be a parttime fan.
So, this doesn't impact this year at all?
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on May 28, 2026, 11:22:19 PMSounds like you're not very financially invested to begin with and it also sounds like you're unlikely to be again no matter what the league changes (or doesn't).
I always find it funny. Often it's the people who seemingly have the biggest opinions that are often the least important, financially speaking, as revenue generating customers.
Perfect example here.
I might not go to everygames, usually 3 each year. But I probably give more $$ to the club than most STHers in those games I do go to.
Quote from: BomberFan73 on May 28, 2026, 11:27:41 PMI might not go to everygames, usually 3 each year. But I probably give more $$ to the club than most STHers in those games I do go to.
Oh for sure. Totally valid. I just think Tburg is hilarious that he's seemingly so invested on this forum with giant opinions but he attends almost no games a year, won't spend any money on watching it on tv beyond cable, and says he won't really miss it if it's not on after awhile.
Okay then.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on May 28, 2026, 11:31:27 PMOh for sure. Totally valid. I just think Tburg is hilarious that he's seemingly so invested on this forum with giant opinions but he attends almost no games a year, won't spend any money on watching it on tv beyond cable, and says he won't really miss it if it's not on after awhile.
Okay then.
But he's also been a fan for much longer than you or I. Invests a lot of time engaging with all of us about the team. Has previously had season tickets. Pays for TSN to watch games and goes to Bomber games when they come to town.
But he doesn't want to invest more so his opinion doesn't count in yours and Stew's view.
Me and my friend's are in our 30's and all have season tickets and young families and should be the target audience, but with each of these moves we're feeling more and more like we're being pushed out.
Quote from: Jesse on May 28, 2026, 11:38:12 PMBut he's also been a fan for much longer than you or I. Invests a lot of time engaging with all of us about the team. Has previously had season tickets. Pays for TSN to watch games and goes to Bomber games when they come to town.
But he doesn't want to invest more so his opinion doesn't count in yours and Stew's view.
Me and my friend's are in our 30's and all have season tickets and young families and should be the target audience, but with each of these moves we're feeling more and more like we're being pushed out.
Didn't say that. But I wouldn't weight very highly business advice from a customer who doesn't really spend money on my product and tells me they probably aren't ever going to again.
It's still a valid viewpoint but I care about it less for certain.
I definitely think about his opinions expressed here differently. You can do what you want, obviously.
Quote from: theaardvark on May 28, 2026, 04:01:19 PMOh My Goodness.
The guy pens a deal that increases non gate league revenue by 60%, and people are complaining? You know who's NOT complaining? Every CFO of every CFL team.
The NFL does not have 100% game coverage on free network television. Many games are only available through subscription basis. And we all know what a badly run league the NFL is, and how moving from free broadcast to premium services has killed them.
Adding in a youtube element suggests that every game WILL be available for viewing, just maybe not live.
This is why Johnston was brought in, to negotiate the media deal. And this is an out of the park slam.
For those begging for a few extra ducats to sign more talent, or expand rosters, or attract more/better coaches, this is going to probably do all three and then some.
PLUS, this can possibly have a positive gate benefit. If you know your local team's game isn't being broadcast on a service you receive, that might influence whether you attend live. Remember the blackouts?
And before someone jumps up my butt saying I am parroting the leagues talking points, again, this is great news for the league, assuring financial stability going forward. Not sure how much the new rules aided in this deal, making it more modern certainly didn't hurt.
Good job, Stewy, you have earned your salary and the trust the league put in you in spades.
The NFL which picks up better numbers than any other sport is not something to compare the CFL too.
Quote from: RebusRankin on May 29, 2026, 12:19:09 AMThe NFL which picks up better numbers than any other sport is not something to compare the CFL too.
Why? Of course you compare to the market leader. The CFL is going to drag you into the modern era or it won't, but it's heading there regardless, finally. Your move.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on May 29, 2026, 12:20:45 AMWhy? Of course you compare to the market leader. The CFL is going to drag you into the modern era or it won't, but it's heading there regardless, finally. Your move.
So you're response to anybody who questions this move is to insult them and throw down an ultimatum?
You're an ******* and yes mods I'll gladly take a suspension for this comment.
I've watched the CFL since I was 10. I'm now 69. I had season tickets in Wpg, Cgy, BC for about 30 years. I watch every game on TV. I used to watch the Montreal games in french when they weren't on the english channels. I stream pre season games on CFL+ & I streamed when I was in Mexico. I've scheduled vacations around games. I even stayed a couple of extra days in Vancouver to watch my last GC before I left Canada.
That's my CFL fan cred.
1/3 to 1/4 of the games will be on DAZN.
I have seasons. So, it doesn't impact home games.
So 1/3 or 1/4 of away games, which is 2-3.
One of those games probably won't matter or will conflict with my schedule.
So 1-2 a year, plus 1 playoff game (maybe).
I'll just go to the local watering hole.
It's really not difficult guys. Players deserve to get paid enough considering how bad the sport is on their long-term health. Anyone see Chris Walby walk around the city?
Just pay the money or go to Boston Pizza, the Tavern and make an evening out of it.
Quote from: RebusRankin on May 29, 2026, 12:28:06 AMSo you're response to anybody who questions this move is to insult them and throw down an ultimatum?
You're an ******* and yes mods I'll gladly take a suspension for this comment.
Nothing I said is meant to insult you but I also won't stroke your ego outrage and tell you you're right. It's simply to explain to you that times are changing and you can either deal with having to subscribe to another service (and updated rules) like virtually every other sport has done 5 to 10 years ago or exercise your freedom of choice by choosing to do something different. It's not complicated. It's not personal. Crucially, I'm not giving you an ultimatum. The league's own release calls this a new era. Join or don't. They'd prefer you did but they probably don't care either way. They just increased revenues by a huge amount, after all, by copying the strategy of the league you said we can't compare it to.
Ironically, if you pay for DAZN, you're a CFL fan subsidizing the NFL. NFL seems to be their biggest offering.
That's bass ackwards.
Quote from: blue_or_die on May 28, 2026, 07:24:36 PMAardvark says that most CFL fans have DAZN accounts...is this true though?
I had never heard of DAZN before today. What is that name even supposed to mean? The best they could come up with? Sounds like they just wanted to be their own stock ticker.
I guess you NFL people know, but I would expect 90% of the CFL-only people have never heard of it.
Like the world needs another streaming platform.
Quote from: The Fresh Prince Of Belair, MB on May 28, 2026, 05:49:12 PMThey'll complain and do nothing else beside open their wallets.
Huge win for the commish.
I hope Johnston got the amount set in stone and made sure the CFL's cut is a set fee and not a per-view fee! Because I promise you DAZN will lose money on this.
From a "financial health" standpoint this is 100% a win because even if only 10% of us fans pay for DAZN, the CFL is millions richer. That should allow them to end the "equalization" payments. And finally shut up the billionaire owners and their fans screaming "we're poors! woe is us!".
From a fan standpoint this is completely garbage.
This is what upstart/growth companies do: they buy growth. DAZN doesn't care they will lose money (cost to CFL divided by number of new subscriptions > revenue per subscription) because this allows them to claim growth. "We had 100k new subscriptions in June 2027!" And that drives stock prices.
I haven't checked, but I'd bet dollars to donuts DAZN IPO'd in the last 0 to 3 years (or is about to). IPO gets you the free money, then you buy up the growth.
Quote from: gobombersgo on May 28, 2026, 05:23:50 PMIf the Bombers are playing an away game on a Saturday I might just go to a lounge to watch it.
That's assuming lounges will splurge for the subscription. And you're assuming it's even legal per the DAZN terms that you can public broadcast. And you're assuming the dolt behind the bar can figure out how to make it stream!
However, if they do get all that right, a lounge would be an option.
Quote from: Pete on May 28, 2026, 04:40:12 PMIt will be interesting to see how much the viewership numbers drop for the non tsn games. Also how many will be western conference vs east. I wouldn't be surprised if it was less then half the viewers
I promise you that less than 25% of fans who watch CFL on TSN will pay $40-$50 a month for this. In fact, I'd wager less than 15%.
The fans that will pay are basically the type of people here: the uber fan. And we've seen maybe even here, probably less than half will pay. That doesn't leave very many people.
Where it might actually work is getting the people who already do DAZN for NFL season to subscribe for the full year instead. How many of these people exist? Who knows. In any event, even that would only result in a modest increase in revenue because of the better price break by buying the whole year.
Quote from: Jesse on May 28, 2026, 04:15:24 PMIt's probably one of the reasons everything was announced so quickly, so not matter what he could point to the new money and say "this is why we did it" - even if one thing has nothing to do with the other.
We've already seen this from Johnston. He makes announcements that will anger fans right before major CFL dates (like season start), so that we quickly go back to doing normal CFL things and forget how much we hate his meddling.
In fact, we should start approaching any important CFL date with trepidation, knowing that that's when Johnston is going to drop another turd on us. What a slimeball, but slick, oh so slick.
Quote from: theaardvark on May 28, 2026, 04:01:19 PMThe NFL does not have 100% game coverage on free network television. Many games are only available through subscription basis.
Disingenuous comparison. 32 teams and 272 game season vs 81 games for the CFL. Basically no station can reasonably air every NFL game simply because of time overlap. But TSN can for the CFL, especially with 5 channels.
Quote from: Jesse on May 28, 2026, 01:40:14 PMThere are many things that make this league great and they are chipping away at them. So while they can pat themselves on the back for increasing revenue, they are also taking away the affordability of the league. It's hard to even get upset anymore. It's just a general sad feeling that I'm losing something I care a lot about.
A lot of people don't like being nickle & dimed. This is nickle & diming. I'm already paying for the full TSN suite on cable, basically just for CFL & F1.
I would have rather they upped the TSN cable fee by $5/month.
Quote from: Tecno on May 29, 2026, 04:27:26 AMI had never heard of DAZN before today. What is that name even supposed to mean? The best they could come up with? Sounds like they just wanted to be their own stock ticker.
I guess you NFL people know, but I would expect 90% of the CFL-only people have never heard of it.
Like the world needs another streaming platform.
Heard it referred to as "DA Zone" a couple of times today, no idea if that is a made up nickname or what.
And now I can't record every game on my computer PVR. Streaming does not lend itself to recording, due to DRM. There is no way I'll subscribe without being able to record my Bomber games to watch in 5 years. I'll have to invest some time in figuring out how to record.
As for youtube, you guys are high if you think these games will be free on youtube. The announcement only says they will expand the vignette-ish offerings. There is zero mention of games.
In fact, I will bet you a whack ton that with DAZN coming on the scene they will be policing YT more than ever to take down illicit copies of games. Say bye to all your YT game viewing. You'll have to be in the pirate world if you want to get this stuff for free.
Quote from: The Fresh Prince Of Belair, MB on May 28, 2026, 05:49:12 PMNHL have done it. Fans complain about having to pay for multiple streaming services to see all the games but they still remain fans and watch the games.
82 NHL games a year per team vs 18. Taking away 8 games or whatever a year from hockey fans is more palatable, as you still get 75 or whatever. Even ardent hockey fans can't always watch all 82 of their team's games. That's a boatload of time to invest.
But when there's only 18 games, missing 2-3 is really going to suck.
Quote from: BomberFan73 on May 28, 2026, 11:25:35 PMI can't be a parttime fan.
So true. The casual fan can be part-time, but the uber-fan cannot. How could I possibly just sit here on a day I know my Bombers are playing an away game?
The scary thing is the whisper of some uber-fans who'll just quit instead. That should worry the CFL. You don't want to keep adding another piece of straw to the camel's back. And another...
Quote from: Tecno on May 29, 2026, 05:15:33 AM82 NHL games a year per team vs 18. Taking away 8 games or whatever a year from hockey fans is more palatable, as you still get 75 or whatever. Even ardent hockey fans can't always watch all 82 of their team's games. That's a boatload of time to invest.
But when there's only 18 games, missing 2-3 is really going to suck.
So true. The casual fan can be part-time, but the uber-fan cannot. How could I possibly just sit here on a day I know my Bombers are playing an away game?
The scary thing is the whisper of some uber-fans who'll just quit instead. That should worry the CFL. You don't want to keep adding another piece of straw to the camel's back. And another...
And that is where I'm at right now, infact I even think it has knocked down my excitement for this year.
You DAZN guys think the product will sell with empty stadiums? No new fan is going to take the product seriously!
I was a NFL fan for years too, but the past couple years I hated how anytime I went to their site to check standings/stats etc, that DAZN pop up wouldn't let me do anything without creating an account. SO, I stopped going there.
I guess I'm at a cross roads here....
Time for a conspiracy theory. What if ALL the changes were for one thing? To make the game easier to sell to gamblers. This will be a DAZN specialty and the Americanization makes it more understandable/predictabale to bet on.
Americans legally bet $166.94 billion on sports in 2025.
Something to ponder.
Quote from: Waffler on May 29, 2026, 01:18:53 PMTime for a conspiracy theory. What if ALL the changes were for one thing? To make the game easier to sell to gamblers. This will be a DAZN specialty and the Americanization makes it more understandable/predictabale to bet on.
Americans legally bet $166.94 billion on sports in 2025.
Something to ponder.
I think there is a lot to this theory. Sports betting is a huge source of revenue. And a huge problem for those with a gambling addiction. My son has a couple of friends in big trouble with it. But hey, whatever helps the CFL's bottom line, right? Its not just specific to the CFL. I find the pervasive gambling ads, that are even invading the actual sports broadcasts, with odds lines, parlays, and prop bets getting as much airtime as player stats, is a real turn off. Maybe I'm just becoming a grouchy old man.
https://casinobeats.com/2026/01/19/dazn-bet-obtains-gambling-license-ontario-integrate-betting-live-sports/
Quote from: Waffler on May 29, 2026, 01:18:53 PMTime for a conspiracy theory. What if ALL the changes were for one thing? To make the game easier to sell to gamblers. This will be a DAZN specialty and the Americanization makes it more understandable/predictabale to bet on.
Americans legally bet $166.94 billion on sports in 2025.
Something to ponder.
It's not a conspiracy theory at all. It's a revenue stream sports are actively courting. It's the entire reason the CFL salary cap has increased in recent years.
Quote from: Tecno on May 29, 2026, 04:56:30 AMDisingenuous comparison. 32 teams and 272 game season vs 81 games for the CFL. Basically no station can reasonably air every NFL game simply because of time overlap. But TSN can for the CFL, especially with 5 channels.
you can't even watch the nfl primetime games (thursday, sunday and monday) on free tv anymore in the USA
we actually have it better in canada for viewing nfl games - prime time games are all on tsn (or DAZN).
"What began as a quiet price update has erupted into one of the most dramatic fan backlashes Canadian hockey has seen in years. Sportsnet's recent announcement of a significant price hike for its Sportsnet+ streaming service, set to take effect just before the 2025–26 NHL season, has left fans nationwide furious.
In hours, angry subscribers took to social media, flooded cancellation pages, and even crashed Rogers' billing system."
And, some facts:
In America, beloved of TSN:
"The "subscribe to everything" era is unraveling. After years of stacking streaming platforms, delivery perks, and digital add-ons, Americans are pulling back hard. A new survey from Self Financial shows the average household cut its paid subscriptions from 4.1 in 2024 to just 2.8 this year. That's a drop of nearly a third in twelve months."
Some people won't be able to afford it' some people will sail the seven seas.
In the past, I watched every CFL game. Pretty silly. I won't subscribe to DAZN and I won't watch their games.
If it's Bombers I miss, might go to the legion, which is fun, or just listen to CJOB which it's also fun.
Quote from: Tecno on May 29, 2026, 04:27:26 AMI had never heard of DAZN before today. What is that name even supposed to mean? The best they could come up with? Sounds like they just wanted to be their own stock ticker.
I guess you NFL people know, but I would expect 90% of the CFL-only people have never heard of it.
Like the world needs another streaming platform.
I believe is it pronounced "Da Season", to reflect that it revolves around sports.
Not sure if it was related in any way to (AI overview) "Comeback Szn" which was the rallying cry and official clothing brand coined by former Texas A&M Heisman Trophy winner and NFL quarterback Johnny Manziel.
As to youtube, once a live event has aired, it has little value. So no reason youtube would not have it as content (either free with commercials, or commercial free with paid subscription). Youtubers get paid big bucks for content for just this reason.
If a Bomber game isn't available on a service I already subscribe to (not buying DAZN personally), I'd happily watch at a venue that does, or listen on CJOB and watch the game on youtube later, no problem.
It's Da-zone.
I'd have no complaints if I only had to buy a single service to get all the games. You know, like it is right now!
I'd buy DAZN to watch all the games and drop TSN which I pay for just to watch the CFL or the other way round.
I am not subscribing to DAZN.
I've been watching CFL games for most of my life. I generally watch every game if possible. I've had season tickets for many many years. I've already decided that 2027 is going to be a year of change for me. I, like others have said on here, have even lost some interest this year, sadly.
All I want to know is if CJOB will always broadcast the radio feed. I can at least settle for that.
Quote from: BomberFan73 on May 29, 2026, 10:09:21 PMAll I want to know is if CJOB will always broadcast the radio feed. I can at least settle for that.
As long as they keep paying the Bombers more than anyone else, yes. Or I suppose as long as the league allows teams to do that deal locally (likely but probably not guaranteed forever).
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on May 30, 2026, 04:05:06 AMAs long as they keep paying the Bombers more than anyone else, yes. Or I suppose as long as the league allows teams to do that deal locally (likely but probably not guaranteed forever).
Ya, radio should be safe for now as it's a separate medium/deal from TV. It would require someone with a radio station to come in and vie for the rights. Yes, in theory they could split the rights, but radio is small potatoes compared to TV, so who would bother?
Quote from: TBURGESS on May 29, 2026, 07:25:25 PMI'd buy DAZN to watch all the games and drop TSN which I pay for just to watch the CFL or the other way round.
Exactly. But that's not the way it will be. Some games here, some games there. Forcing you to pay both.
This
may be an admission/acceptance by the league that they cannot generate fan numbers growth. So they decided they need to squeeze every last dime out of the existing "big" fans. And since a huge chunk of the fan base is middle class, it may actually be the best path to getting more $$. (For them (league/owners), not for us (fans).)
And if that's the case, at least throw us the bone of not eliminating the 55.
Quote from: theaardvark on May 29, 2026, 06:30:41 PMAs to youtube, once a live event has aired, it has little value. So no reason youtube would not have it as content (either free with commercials, or commercial free with paid subscription). Youtubers get paid big bucks for content for just this reason.
Except if that was the plan then it would have been in the league presser where they dedicated a whole section to hyping up their youtube plans.
And the games absolutely have value after 0:00's on the clock. If you told every fan here they could watch on YT for FREE later that night or the next day, there's a huge chunk who wouldn't pay DAZN anything. Just wait a few hours or until you wake up on Sun, and watch then for free. In fact, that would placate many and deflect a ton of this blowback.
Heck, I almost never watch a CFL game until it's over... even the odd WPG game. My schedule makes it difficult.
DAZN would have to be insane to allow free YT replays as it would cut their "new subscribers" dreams down by massive amounts. Would you, as CEO, sign a $25M contract to have your vids streamed to people for free instead?
Nope, mark my words, DAZN will have a team of people scouring YT at all hours issuing (c) takedown orders. There will be nothing left of the CFL on YT. I bet even the fan-made "condensed highlights" will disappear. See: Olympics. You can't find squat on YT when that's on.
Hey, did the league just state the headline 83 million number without breaking out precisely the amount dazn is contributing? Everyone is assuming TSN is the normal 50 mill and dazn brings the new 33 mill. But what if TSN is actually 65 and dazn only 18? Or some similar number.
The way it's being presented right now we're being led to think of the cost and pain of subscribing to dazn may be worth it to support the league financially to the tune of 33 mill. You would have to think that if the dazn number was much smaller, a lot of people would be less supportive?
Surely with all the inflation since the last tsn deal like 5 years ago the Commish would have gotten an increase out of them this go round?
The deal is for 21 games exactly, to mirror the 21 weeks exactly. They will self produce, which virtually guarantees 1 crew.
Thus this means that the league will purposely schedule exactly one game each Saturday, with no Saturdays off.
This week be quite a change, as normally there are some Saturdays with zero and some with two games.
It also means the schedule will be built around this requirement. To maximize subscriptions they will demand the big draw games will be scheduled Saturday. Also, they will try to get an even mix of teams to suck in every market. I doubt any one team will only have zero or one Saturday game.
The money be all fine and good, but the hidden cost is the league loses a lot of autonomy.
Quote from: Tecno on May 30, 2026, 02:50:52 PMThe deal is for 21 games exactly, to mirror the 21 weeks exactly. They will self produce, which virtually guarantees 1 crew.
Thus this means that the league will purposely schedule exactly one game each Saturday, with no Saturdays off.
This week be quite a change, as normally there are some Saturdays with zero and some with two games.
It also means the schedule will be built around this requirement. To maximize subscriptions they will demand the big draw games will be scheduled Saturday. Also, they will try to get an even mix of teams to suck in every market. I doubt any one team will only have zero or one Saturday game.
The money be all fine and good, but the hidden cost is the league loses a lot of autonomy.
The league never had autonomy, but yes it's another seat at the table and something else to work around. I'm fully expecting the Riders and Bombers to see the lion share of Saturday away games.
Quote from: Jesse on May 30, 2026, 03:30:40 PMThe league never had autonomy, but yes it's another seat at the table and something else to work around. I'm fully expecting the Riders and Bombers to see the lion share of Saturday away games.
I wonder how tsn is going to feel about losing banjo bowl, etc. I guess the winner is whichever company put the best games in their contract.
Quote from: Tecno on May 30, 2026, 05:58:24 AMExcept if that was the plan then it would have been in the league presser where they dedicated a whole section to hyping up their youtube plans.
And the games absolutely have value after 0:00's on the clock. If you told every fan here they could watch on YT for FREE later that night or the next day, there's a huge chunk who wouldn't pay DAZN anything. Just wait a few hours or until you wake up on Sun, and watch then for free. In fact, that would placate many and deflect a ton of this blowback.
Heck, I almost never watch a CFL game until it's over... even the odd WPG game. My schedule makes it difficult.
DAZN would have to be insane to allow free YT replays as it would cut their "new subscribers" dreams down by massive amounts. Would you, as CEO, sign a $25M contract to have your vids streamed to people for free instead?
Nope, mark my words, DAZN will have a team of people scouring YT at all hours issuing (c) takedown orders. There will be nothing left of the CFL on YT. I bet even the fan-made "condensed highlights" will disappear. See: Olympics. You can't find squat on YT when that's on.
"On Demand" is not a thing for sports. Once the result is known, the value of the property goes to near zero. The only ones that watch replays of games are very very hardcore fans. So, content value of "used" games is almost zero for a sports network, except maybe late night replay filler, but for Youtube, any content is gold.
Quote from: theaardvark on May 30, 2026, 03:46:34 PM"On Demand" is not a thing for sports. Once the result is known, the value of the property goes to near zero. The only ones that watch replays of games are very very hardcore fans. So, content value of "used" games is almost zero for a sports network, except maybe late night replay filler, but for Youtube, any content is gold.
Also why sports dominates media buying now and why the value of the sports properties have accelerated well beyond inflation or even the 7-10% market growth measurements over the last decade or so.
It's really one of the only things that drives lives viewership on tv these days which is why the CFL can split their property and get substantially more.
And any qualified media buyer will tell you that attention is still highest on big screen formats and probably always will be.