DAZN subscription

[theaardvark]

I guess the argument is that stealing from a local grocer hurts that grocer, but stealing from a national chain can "afford" the loss, and usually has it built into their business model, so while still a crime, it is a "victimless" crime.

Stealing broadcast signal is a crime, but most see it as a "victimless" crime.  The place it loses that argument is when people who would normally pay for the service start to pirate it, which then means the provider actually loses money.

Why is that important?  If the number of pirates is within the rounding error, its probably not.  But if it becomes a substantial number, especially within an identifiable group of users, then paying for the content those users are pirating becomes not viable. And the revenue that the league receives can end.

I'm not sure how long the DAZN deal is guaranteed for, or what the deliverables are within the deal, or how much of the $ are from DAZN, but if the league doesn't get them eyeballs, its not going to get renewed.

[dd]

I think folks are tired of the gouging that's going on right now, whether its the grocery stores hosing you for grossly inflated grocery prices, inflated restaurant prices , the price of gas sky rocketing, CFL changes and now a subscription cost. I for one am fed up with all of it. Ever since covid, everyone is has an excuse as to why they can hose you. Well time to make some tough calls. Beef is $30/lb, no more steaks. Gas is $1.85, guess I'll talk my bike or walk, CFL wants to you pay more to watch certain games, guess we don't watch those games, and if they continue to change the rules, maybe we just move on from the league altogether. I've watched the game since 1975 and this is the first year I haven't been fired up for the season opener..yep, times they are a changing.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

No change ever pleased everyone, everytime.  Yes, Johnston has made moves (with 100% CFL owners agreement) that some hardcore fans dislike.  But getting a 66% increase in TV revenues in a league that relies on those more than ever is worth taking some lumps over.

When you have to go to a longstanding partner and some potential new partners, and want them to pony up MORE than previously, you have to show why.  You have to give a reason.  Change is important, and while some traditionalists may say these are not in the spirit of the CFL's long and storied history, I say that if preserving and growing the league while maintaining its core values (12 men, 65 yd wide, deep endzones and ratio) means sacrificing the 55 yard line, that's a small price to pay to still have a CFL 10 years from now.

Will the league lose some diehards?  Maybe. But those are not the demographic these broadcast partners seek. And, truthfully, many diehards are aging out of viewership altogether.

Meanwhile, through new viewing venues and shifting schedules, the league is counting on putting new eyes on the product.  A product that is getting better every year, and is getting reviews from players and coaches that its dang good football. And, maybe, just maybe, they start realizing that it is more interesting/fun to watch.

Broadening access to the league, reducing the impact gate has on black ink, these are great things. 

When Johnston was hired, many were wary.  When the proposed changes were brought it, there was much ballyhoo.  But he was brought in for his media savvy, and on that he has delivered in spades.

Again, a 66% increase in TV revenue is far and above what I had dreamed he could deliver.  I can't see a team in the league now having red ink, and it makes a 10 or dare I dream, 12 team league possible.  Now, with that revenue, a 15k stadium might be profitable.  And that can be built just about anywhere.

The Schooners, and teams in Quebec City and London suddenly become in play (can't do Brampton or Markham, because then Toronto would want a team ). 

There are so many reasons this is a great thing.  There is no way lost viewership over subscriptions and the 55yard line will come close to offsetting a 66% increase in media revenue for the teams.

I can't see any downside to this.  Sorry.

The deal is obviously good news for the league, more revenue helps grow and improve the product.  From a fan viewpoint, change is rarely good news, we all have to adjust every time a digital service is added, deleted or altered in some way and it rarely makes people happy, but that's life. 

I'm not subscribing to another service but I'll find a work around to watch any Bomber games blacked out from TSN, whether that's watching the game a day later on YouTube, or streaming it live on a shady gambling site as I sometimes do with NHL playoff games.  I don't need to see it live to find joy, as long as the Bombers play well and win.

[GOLDMEMBER]

And that's the thing that is a scaring me most. Both here and on other forums there are posters that are in the upper echelons of uber fans that are expressing thoughts of quitting the CFL. Or massively curtailing their commitment and support.

Guys I would have thought would be sitting in the stands all geared up even if there was a nuclear war.

If Johnston moves are making these guys feel this way, then maybe it's even worse among the less committed fans.

This should worry everyone.

P.s. Goldie, what are the other reasons that are bothering you?

It is just Goldie getting older. The Bombers do a great job, really.