The 111th edition of the Grey Cup could have been considered a good advert for the Canadian Football League.

The Toronto Argonauts defeated the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 41-24 in a thrilling contest, claiming their 19th title ever. For Winnipeg, this continued their woes in the premier game, as they were beaten for the 17th time in the 29 appearances that they have made in the contest.

For many of the fans of the sport, it’s perhaps something they have become accustomed to. Indeed, those who engage in sports betting on a platform like Betway might have reservations about betting on them next season, as they’ve lost more times than they’ve won when reaching the Grey Cup. On the other hand, the Argonauts are perhaps the favored option due to how successful they are, winning 19 of the 25 appearances in the showpiece.

However, while Winnipeg might be able to solve that problem, the CFL perhaps has a bigger issue at hand: the state of its future regarding fans.

CFL’s fanbase is getting older and not younger

One way a sport’s legacy can continue is through its fans. While the players are just as important in ensuring a positive product is created, the fans are the ones who will fund it financially and keep it alive.

However, for the CFL, this is where their potential greatest issue might be in the future. According to figures ahead of the recent Grey Cup contest, it seems as if the fan base might be getting older; a problem that the loyalist of fans has echoed.

Findings by the league as recently as 2024 suggested that just 29 percent of the fanbase was aged between 18 and 34. A total of 66 percent (33 percent each) were found to be within the age brackets of 35 to 54 and 55 to 74. This is a growing concern, as it could threaten the longevity of the sport.

There have been instances whereby the sport has looked set to thrive but for it to fall flat on its face. The league had looked to get superstar halftime acts in to perform the halftime show for the Grey Cup – akin to the NFL’s Super Bowl show, with the likes of the Black Eyed Peas having been used in 2005. In 2010, the league’s audience increased in terms of the youngest demographic (18-34), with TV ratings being excellent when broadcast on TSN. However, they have since fallen considerably.

What can the CFL do to attract younger audiences?

The CFL is continually fighting a challenging battle. Commissioners past and present have admitted that it has been difficult to navigate.

With the rise of sports betting in Canada in recent years and sites like Betway available, perhaps there could be greater interest in the league in the future. At the same time, as the NFL continues to gain interest across the Great White North, some may look closer to home to try and get more American football in their lives.

The league has signed up with a company that can provide it with analytical insights into its fan base, but the challenge seems to be as ever-present as before.