Recent posts

#1

Blue Bomber & CFL Discussion Forum / Re: Blue Bombers add quarterba...

Last post by Blue In BC - Today at 07:49:11 PM

Well, Elgersma's NFL combine experience is done. He wasn't invited to test on anything but he did throw passes to receivers at a few points.

Can't imagine that will be exciting to most teams but I guess we'll find out.

That sounds like an early exit. Do we know if he's reporting to his UFL team now? He was reported as listed on a roster but nothing showing he'd actually plan to attend TC etc.

#2

Blue Bomber & CFL Discussion Forum / Re: Kicking Showcase

Last post by Blue In BC - Today at 07:46:45 PM

Why is it an "either/or" grow the product domestically/globally?  Why can't it be both, and even synergistic, growing it at home BY growing it abroad (we do have a lot of "New Canadians".  If only cricket produced candidates like Aussie Rules does.  I guess, soccer?

As to broadcast, while TSN is the lifeblood of the game, we all know that streaming is the key to the future, and does not require broadcast infrastructure to reach any corner of the globe. 

The global initiative is not a home run, but it is also not a total bust.  The cost has been minimal, and we have had exposure.  And found players.  Hansen was exciting, and even created an issue with being worth more than the Global capped salary. Which is great.  And its not like he's the only one, Maltos will be bringing in a good paycheck next year.

And even discussing the Global initiative, on either side, is accomplishing the goal of improving engagement.

It's not whether expanding the global market is a good idea or not. My issue is that adding a 9 ( min ) to a max of 18 to CFL rosters won't succeed in that effort. I don't think fans in any country watch games in order to see the kicking game which is where the globals land on rosters.

The discussion we're having is in Canada. Any proof anybody in Europe is discussing this issue? Are there any games being broadcast?

#3

Blue Bomber & CFL Discussion Forum / Re: Kicking Showcase

Last post by theaardvark - Today at 06:55:34 PM

Why is it an "either/or" grow the product domestically/globally?  Why can't it be both, and even synergistic, growing it at home BY growing it abroad (we do have a lot of "New Canadians".  If only cricket produced candidates like Aussie Rules does.  I guess, soccer?

As to broadcast, while TSN is the lifeblood of the game, we all know that streaming is the key to the future, and does not require broadcast infrastructure to reach any corner of the globe. 

The global initiative is not a home run, but it is also not a total bust.  The cost has been minimal, and we have had exposure.  And found players.  Hansen was exciting, and even created an issue with being worth more than the Global capped salary. Which is great.  And its not like he's the only one, Maltos will be bringing in a good paycheck next year.

And even discussing the Global initiative, on either side, is accomplishing the goal of improving engagement.

#4

Blue Bomber & CFL Discussion Forum / Re: Blue Bombers add quarterba...

Last post by Sir Blue and Gold - Today at 06:45:48 PM

Well, Elgersma's NFL combine experience is done. He wasn't invited to test on anything but he did throw passes to receivers at a few points.

Can't imagine that will be exciting to most teams but I guess we'll find out.

#5

Blue Bomber & CFL Discussion Forum / Bomber Store Sale on Lids

Last post by ModAdmin - Today at 05:31:19 PM

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#6

Blue Bomber & CFL Discussion Forum / Re: Kicking Showcase

Last post by Blue In BC - Today at 03:15:07 PM

The ratio is the fundamental principle to the league and it isn't going anywhere, nor should it. Couldn't give a rip if the game is more popular in the states, fact is, it never will be, and that's fine by me

That supports the argument that there is little or no value in the global program. On that aspect I agree. The global aspect of the ratio essentially replaces most Canadian kickers or punters. 

I can't dispute that the ratio is fundamental principle. However, I'm old enough to remember roster size in the low 30's and imports playing both ways. That meant less Canadians seeing the field.

In that era there were no DI's on rosters. A backup QB probably was a DB returner

It depends on your definition of ratio and where you want to draw the line. Global players are a recent subset of ratio. What's next on how they modify ratio away from Canadians.

Anyway. Back to the topic of kicking showcase. There is a good chance one of these candidates ends up on our PR after the 2026 draft.

#7

Blue Bomber & CFL Discussion Forum / Re: Kicking Showcase

Last post by dd - Today at 02:58:38 PM

The ratio is the fundamental principle to the league and it isn't going anywhere, nor should it. Couldn't give a rip if the game is more popular in the states, fact is, it never will be, and that's fine by me

#8

Blue Bomber & CFL Discussion Forum / Re: Kicking Showcase

Last post by Blue In BC - Today at 02:01:45 PM

Or they could do both. Perhaps that's some of the rationale behind smaller fields that fit the footprint of more stadiums?

They should be trying to grow the game in Canada.

Tney should be trying to grow the game globally.

Suggesting you ignore "the world" and go after Saskatoon and Brandon doesn't play well in the board room. Go ahead and suggest that and see what happens.

The CFL already plays a game outside of the normal cities once a season. That could be expanded. Because of the world cup, the Lions and Argos will be doing that to start the season.

A variant of that would be more focus on holding training camps in new cities

I disagree with the global concept outright.

Aside from Hansen can anybody name a global player that is not from Australia or Mexico?

The CFL can't even get a 10th team off the ground. So don't give me that globalization is a great idea. Success starts at home.

I'm not in favour of the ratio either and have said that often over the years.

I'd go so far as suggesting with no ratio and more American players we'd see more interest in the USA. That would lead to broadcast revenue as an outcome. It would lead to the CFL being a higher profile for players.

#9

Blue Bomber & CFL Discussion Forum / Re: Kicking Showcase

Last post by Sir Blue and Gold - Today at 01:33:17 PM

The market place is not outside of North America. The global program is a failure. Taking time is one thing but I'd have to see a curve showing any impact over time. I'd have to see some games broadcast in Europe or Australia.

IMO the reality is that most global players seem to have Australian heritage since they are the kickers.

The CFL could play pre season games in the US even if they have to play on a different type of field.

Or:

They could play all pre season games in Canada outside the normal market. Saskatoon, Brandon, London, Halifax, Victoria for example.

Or they could do both. Perhaps that's some of the rationale behind smaller fields that fit the footprint of more stadiums?

They should be trying to grow the game in Canada.

Tney should be trying to grow the game globally.

Suggesting you ignore "the world" and go after Saskatoon and Brandon doesn't play well in the board room. Go ahead and suggest that and see what happens.

#10

Blue Bomber & CFL Discussion Forum / Re: Kicking Showcase

Last post by Blue In BC - Today at 01:22:11 PM

Aardvark is right on this one.

And without the global program what is the plan to try and generate interest in non traditional markets?

Haven't heard a better one.

Again, I'd do away with the ratio yesterday if I could. But if we're going to have one under the theory that it generates interest, then it makes sense to apply the theory everywhere.

It is certainly better than doing nothing and being all out of ideas. Which is how the league operated for long enough to get itself into trouble to begin with.

The market place is not outside of North America. The global program is a failure. Taking time is one thing but I'd have to see a curve showing any impact over time. I'd have to see some games broadcast in Europe or Australia.

IMO the reality is that most global players seem to have Australian heritage since they are the kickers.

The CFL could play pre season games in the US even if they have to play on a different type of field.

Or:

They could play all pre season games in Canada outside the normal market. Saskatoon, Brandon, London, Halifax, Victoria for example.