The Canadian Football League (CFL) Charging Ahead:
With the first half of the 2023 season behind us, the Canadian Football League is turning heads north of the border. The numbers tell a story of a league surging in popularity, expanding its reach, and delivering a thrilling product on the field.
Connecting with a New Generation:
League-wide ratings in the key 25-54 demographic have soared by 29% through Week 11. That translates to more than 8.8 million unique viewers tuning into TSN and another 1.9 million catching the action on RDS. Commissioner Randy Ambrosie credits the “Let ‘Em Know” campaign, aiming to grow beyond the traditional fan base, with these impressive figures.
Revitalizing Major Markets:
The Toronto Argonauts, BC Lions, and Montreal Alouettes have seen a 26% increase in average game day revenue. Viewership involving these teams is up 27%, with the entire league experiencing a 2.3% revenue growth through Week 10.
Building a Digital Fortress:
With a 30% increase in social media engagement and growth in page views and YouTube viewership, the CFL’s digital presence is stronger than ever. The league’s podcast, The Waggle, and revamped Game Zone, an interactive gaming experience, are part of this successful equation, with download and participation numbers surging.
Delivering the Excitement on the Gridiron:
The on-field product hasn’t disappointed, either. Nearly 60% of games have been decided in the final three minutes. With 28 game-changing return touchdowns and a league-wide passing efficiency rating of 90.5, the games have been a showcase of explosive plays and thrilling finishes, the highest since 2018.
CFL Looking Forward:
Ambrosie isn’t content to rest on these laurels. With an eye on the strong Labour Day match-ups and the 110th Grey Cup in November, he’s optimistic about building a “bigger and stronger CFL” with partners like TSN, RDS, and CBS Sports Network.
In a sports landscape that’s more crowded and competitive than ever, the CFL’s 2023 season stands as a testament to a league that’s found a way to resonate with fans old and new. Whether you’re a football purist or just looking for exciting sports entertainment, the CFL is delivering. And with the promise of even more to come, there’s never been a better time to tune in.
