The Edmonton Elks are 3-0. On the surface, it's simply a great start to the 2026 CFL season. But in Edmonton, it could mean something much bigger.
https://x.com/byterryjones/status/2070349115305947249
Historic Franchise
For years, one of the CFL's proudest franchises has struggled to recapture its identity. The Elks endured losing seasons, frustrating home performances, and declining attendance. The club's name change from the Eskimos to the Elks also divided parts of its fan base, while years of losing made it even harder to keep supporters engaged.
The result was impossible to ignore.
A franchise that once enjoyed roughly 20,000 season-ticket holders saw that number fall dramatically over time. Whether fans left because of the name change, the losing, or a combination of both depends on who you ask.
What everyone can agree on is this: Winning changes everything. The Elks have played only three games, with just one at home. Rainy weather and modest attendance made it difficult to judge whether fans are ready to return in large numbers.
That answer will take time. Three victories do not erase years of disappointment. They do not instantly rebuild trust. But they create something that has been missing in Edmonton for quite a while. Hope.
The Elks have looked confident. They've played disciplined football and found ways to finish games. Instead of waiting for something to go wrong, they're creating reasons for optimism. That matters. Professional sports are built on belief. Fans invest their time, money, and emotions because they believe next week can be better than last week. When that belief fades, so can the crowds.
Now, Edmonton has a chance to change that story
If the Elks continue to win, attendance will almost certainly improve. New fans will become curious. Former fans may decide it's worth giving the team another chance. A winning product has a way of bringing people together, even after years of frustration.
Will everyone come back? Probably not. Some fans made permanent decisions years ago. Others simply found different ways to spend their weekends after so many difficult seasons.
Winning
But winning has always been the best marketing plan in professional sports. For one of the CFL's most historic franchises, this season isn't just about chasing a playoff berth. It's about rebuilding a connection with a city that once packed Commonwealth Stadium and made it one of the toughest places to play in Canadian football.
The Edmonton Elks are 3-0. The standings say they're off to a perfect start. The bigger question is whether this is the beginning of something even more important. Not just a winning season. A winning relationship with their fans once again.