As they get set to play their championship game this Sunday, Nov. 24, The Canadian Football League announced a long-term extension of their broadcast partnership with TSN.
Details of the agreement were not announced, but according to Postmedia’s Dan Barnes, the deal will extend through 2025, worth at least $50 million annually. The new contract continues a longstanding partnership between the CFL and TSN.
“To us, this is by far the best partnership in Canadian sport – one built on trust, respect and a shared love of the great game of Canadian football,” CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie said in the announcement. “Our league’s growth strategy, CFL 2.0, is about expansion, innovation, and literally taking on the world. We are thrilled to reach an agreement that allows us to look to the future as we continue to grow with our loyal and committed partners at TSN and RDS by our sides every step of the way.”
The current contract, set to expire in 2021 was worth $43 million annually and originally began as a five-year deal in 2013. In 2015, however, both sides agreed to a three year extension that was tacked on to the end of the deal. Now, two years before their most recent agreement is up for renewal, the CFL has agreed to a new and more lucrative $50 million contract with TSN. Prior to the $43 million contract agreed to in 2013, the CFL and TSN had a five-year deal worth just $15 million annually.
“As one of our biggest and most iconic sports properties, the CFL has become synonymous with TSN and RDS. The league is built upon a rich history and a dynamic on-field product that’s beloved by millions of passionate fans across the country,” said Stewart Johnston, President, Media Sales and Marketing, Bell Media, and President of TSN. “We are very excited to work with Randy and his entire team on their forward-thinking CFL 2.0 vision, and to continue to shine the national spotlight on this amazing league across TSN platforms for years to come.”
Through their partnerships, TSN has helped viewership increase for the Canadian Football League. TSN and RDS will continue to hold exclusive rights to all CFL broadcasts including their championship game, the Grey Cup which takes place this Sunday.
Brandon Contes is a freelance writer for BSM. He can be found on Twitter @BrandonContes. To reach him by email click here