The Canadian Football League (CFL) has inked a new multi-year agreement with CBS Sports Network (CBSSN), enabling the 24-hour cable sports network to broadcast 34 CFL games in the United States this year.
“We’re excited to collaborate closely with CBS Sports Network to cater to our devoted fans in the U.S. and expand our following there,” stated CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie. “CBS Sports represents the pinnacle of sports broadcasting, and we’re thrilled to feature our league on their network.”
I’m told this deal is worth 1 million per year. Each #CFL team will receive approx 100k. https://t.co/MkKsEzA3p4
Farhan Lalji reports that the deal is worth $1 million per year, with each CFL team receiving approximately $100,000. According to Dave Naylor, this agreement with CBS Sports is the most significant the league has ever had in the U.S., also involving a commitment to promote the games, which has not always been the case with past U.S. TV deals.
I’m terms of $, I’m led to believe @CFL deal with @CBSSports is most significant league has ever had in US. Also involves commitment to promote games so they don’t just appear, as often case with past US TV deals. #CBS
Canadian football, known for its larger field and faster play clock compared to American football, has been a staple of Canadian sports for over a century. The 110th Grey Cup championship game will be held this November in Hamilton, Ontario.
Dan Weinberg, Executive Vice President of Programming at CBS Sports, remarked, “The CFL is an exciting brand of football, with a rich history that includes some of the game’s biggest stars. We eagerly await the CFL’s addition to our extensive line-up of live events on CBS Sports Network and look forward to showcasing the current generation of CFL talent.”
The initial CFL on CBS Sports Network games will feature the league’s season opener and traditional holiday weekend match-ups, including the famous Labour Day Weekend rivalries. A full schedule will be announced closer to the season’s start, and the CFL will also reveal how U.S. fans can watch games not broadcasted on CBS Sports Network at a later date.
Ambrosie expressed confidence in the partnership, stating, “We’re optimistic that, by working together, we can cater to our American fans and continue to expand their ranks. We’re excited for a partnership that unites the best of Canadian football with one of the premier brands in American sports television.”
Mark Perry is the founder and editor of CFL News Hub. A dedicated and experienced football analyst, he has been providing comprehensive coverage of the sport since 2018.
