CFL 2026 Season

[Hackslack]

Originally Posted by elly63

That would be a no, I was hoping to get some answers and didn't, just the same old same old. What was it the mullet called the fan base - tinhats? which the Commish was smart enough to try and avoid.

And sorry to burst your bubble I said time and again I have accepted the rules even though I don't like them and that I could justify them logically even though I don't think they are necessary.

What did the mullet call himself "The People's Commish" of whom? Certainly not the people of the west who I keep being told they're the only people who still care about the CFL.

Why did he have the word Americanized in the title of the video if the subject of the video actually had nothing to do with it.

I never called you a troll even though you called others who disagreed with you stupid, until you posted a line that was so ridiculously disingenuous I said that was trolling

You called many of the fanbase stupid, the (mullet said tinhats) until jonny blew your argument full of holes.

I am always prepared to have my mind changed even if I disagree with somebody or have a preconceived notion of them. In this case my notions were reaffirmed.

Re-read my posts. I have never called anyone stupid. I have called arguments stupid. Now I expect you to recognize that and acknowledge that.

But then there is you… you call people “weak Canadians” because they appreciate a Super Bowl champion having insight to the CFL.

Haha ok, great job you agree that Johnny blew the argument full of holes cause what… the field is now the same length as the NFL and the uprights are at the back of the end zone, which he classifies as “Americanization”… yet everything this else is different… slow clap… way to blow my argument full of holes, to each their own.

Aren’t you and Johnny now giving up season tix?

At least I’m in for the haul supporting the CFL and no doubt the turbulence that comes with major changes. You plan to take your money elsewhere….


BTW, I think you now owe craner some land

[elly63]

Originally Posted by Hackslack

Aren’t you and Johnny now giving up season tix? You plan to take your money elsewhere….BTW, I think you now owe craner some land

I never said any such thing about cancelling or taking money elsewhere so you are lying and I hope Craner can see how disingenuous you've become after you crowed about using arguments against people who did not like the changes and then jonny proceeded to KO you.

[cjones2451]

Originally Posted by Hackslack

Your thoughts being yours… but I thought it was actually a fantastic , high emotion, gritty, animated, interaction… something the CFL has rarely ever had.

Like the commish is not in any way trying to bullshit anybody. He’s the closest ally to the CFL that the league could look for in a commissioner.

As you posted the video I was thinking I was gonna come out of it after watching it being more on your side, but the opposite happened. The Commish is a real genuine person, while being supportive of Willsion as a broadcaster, he also critiqued him… The reason as the commish explained, he likes that Willson can explain the X’s and O’s basically in layman terms.

Anyway, thanks for sharing, I’m even more inspired and excited about the changes after watching tha!

Same for me. Again, I realize that Luke rubs a lot of people the wrong way, and I don't agree with the name calling he does, but as for breaking down football and understanding the game he is great and love him or hate him, he has really ignited the passion in people for the CFL, especially on twitter. But just because he played in the NFL and is now back covering the CFL as well as the NFL does not make his football knowledge any less insightful. I am sure 99.9% of us would play in the NFL for the money, even though we are bigger CFL fans. Some people say he was trashing the CFL earlier in the season, but I saw it as holding the game to a higher standard which is what we all should expect, and yes he called some NFL games hot garbage this year too.

I feel at this point, no matter what Stewart Johnston says, those that do not like the changes will not be convinced and we will probably have to wait how the next couple of years play out, but I am convinced the next TV contract will be a bellweather moment for the CFL and its future.

[BlackDog204]

Originally Posted by elly63

I never said any such thing about cancelling or taking money elsewhere so you are lying and I hope Craner can see how disingenuous you've become after you crowed about using arguments against people who did not like the changes and then jonny proceeded to KO you.

Hack does this quite a bit I notice. I admit I am vocal in my displeasure with the new direction and changes to the game, which, of course, takes away many Canadian aspects of the game, and replaces it with ones implemented in the American game. Any talk of the changes having nothing to do with Americanising the game is gaslighting the public.

However, Hack goes further, and tends to belittle and launch personal attacks against those who do not share his opinion (in this case nearly 3/4 of CFL fans).

This is what he had to say about my opposition to the changes. I can't even make this up:

"I actually have a hunch he is an NFL fanboy, errr check that, an NFL Fantsy League fanboy, who comes to bemoan the CFL, like many of them uneducated fantasy football leaguers do."


Hack is a strange one...

[Hackslack]

Someone challenged me to show how the games are more distinct from American gridiron, or similar, which I’ve clearly detailed in my previous posts.

I argued that to think the CFL is being Americanized is a stupid argument, again, referencing the immense differences between the game… please don’t try to peg me with making personal attacks. I’m attacking one’s argument, not them personally.

I highlighted the NFL “fanboy” as many people on this thread do, naturally, cause it is common for NFL fanboys come in and trash the league. When, in my opinion, they are not even fans of the game, rather just fantasy league fanboys who, without fantasy football, wouldn’t even follow or appreciate the game… apologies for accusing you as an NFL fantasy leaguer.

And then I go on to get personally attacked, by stating I appreciate Luke Wilson’s interview with the commish, because it was so in depth, and passionate full of energy. I was told that I was trolling… like, come on… the individual who attacked me stated that those who liked the video or Luke Willson are “weak Canadians”. That same individual doubted that I even supported the CFL.

So whatever, see it however you like.

I like the changes. The game is not being Americanized. I love the CFL rules. I appreciate the media attention it is getting. I appreciate Luke Wilson’s passion for football and insight. I have been a season ticket holder in the past. I have attended 2 grey cups. I have purchased season tickets loved in for the next two seasons.

Romey, I am ouuuuttt… (Reference to the Jim Rome show)

[EpicPonyTime]

Originally Posted by cjones2451

I feel at this point, no matter what Stewart Johnston says, those that do not like the changes will not be convinced and we will probably have to wait how the next couple of years play out, but I am convinced the next TV contract will be a bellweather moment for the CFL and its future.

Honestly, the changes would be worth it to me if they resulted in a sizeable increase to the League’s TV revenues, but… I just don’t see it happening unless Sportsnet or Amazon launched a surprise bidding war. Absent a miracle increase to ratings or interest next year, TSN being the pre-ordained broadcast partner is going to keep the value of the contract artificially low.

Though, at the very least: if the League did get a sizeable increase we all can look forward to Hackslack and elly arguing over whether the increase was due to the rule changes or the momentum the League already had prior to this year.

[elly63]

Originally Posted by EpicPonyTime

Honestly, the changes would be worth it to me if they resulted in a sizeable increase to the League’s TV revenues, but… I just don’t see it happening unless Sportsnet or Amazon launched a surprise bidding war. Absent a miracle increase to ratings or interest next year, TSN being the pre-ordained broadcast partner is going to keep the value of the contract artificially low.

Though, at the very least: if the League did get a sizeable increase we all can look forward to Hackslack and elly arguing over whether the increase was due to the rule changes or the momentum the League already had prior to this year.

Well, I guess he will be arguing with you as well because I totally agree with your first paragraph. Also, I wouldn't take up that argument because I think there might be more significant factors if that were to happen. ie a Netflix wanting sports content

You beat me to posting it because I cannot see in a world where cable TV participation is dying and there may not be any national "competitive" bidders why the contract would go up significantly.

The league is in a position where they have to take the bone TSN throws them UNLESS and this is a very big UNLESS the Commish using his prior experience can throw together some sort of broadcast network or streamer or whatever you want to call it of his own a la CFN.

[elly63]

Here's a wild fantasy. Early TV shows in the US had one sponsor who controlled everything. Partially because of the quiz scandals, the networks regained control and used participating commercial sponsors by splitting a show into segments that several advertisers could sponsor.

The league could sell it's product and time to each network, minimizing their financial risk.

How about Sportsnet's CFL Game of the Week on Thursday, Friday Night Football on TSN, the CFL on CTV/TSN (Saturday afternoon) and Football Night in Canada on CBC Saturday night

Totally not going to happen but interesting nonetheless. Two of those four events already exist and it was rumoured at one time Sportsnet might be interested in a game of the week.

[Rico Rommheim]

The CFL needs to expand to QC pronto. Without this, the league will not survive. Of course, there is nobody in QC who is willing to build a team and stadium from scratch. In fact, I don`t think there are any canadians with tens of millions of dollars in cash willing to start any team. It`s sad.

[HomeInMyShoes]

Originally Posted by elly63

Here's a wild fantasy. Early TV shows in the US had one sponsor who controlled everything. Partially because of the quiz scandals, the networks regained control and used participating commercial sponsors by splitting a show into segments that several advertisers could sponsor.

The league could sell it's product and time to each network, minimizing their financial risk.

How about Sportsnet's CFL Game of the Week on Thursday, Friday Night Football on TSN, the CFL on CTV/TSN (Saturday afternoon) and Football Night in Canada on CBC Saturday night

Totally not going to happen but interesting nonetheless. Two of those four events already exist and it was rumoured at one time Sportsnet might be interested in a game of the week.

Having competing networks might give us some competition and improve the overall coverage on each of the participating networks. They wouldn't like having to do that, but it might be great for the fans watching.

[elly63]

Originally Posted by Rico Rommheim

The CFL needs to expand to QC pronto. Without this, the league will not survive. Of course, there is nobody in QC who is willing to build a team and stadium from scratch. In fact, I don`t think there are any canadians with tens of millions of dollars in cash willing to start any team. It`s sad.

They seem to be doing alright for the past 70+ years without a team in Quebec City. We keep being told by some there are no potential owners and yet they keep coming up ie Doman, PKP, Thompson

[cjones2451]

Originally Posted by elly63

They seem to be doing alright for the past 70+ years without a team in Quebec City. We keep being told by some there are no potential owners and yet they keep coming up ie Doman, PKP, Thompson

If there is partnership with Jacques Tanguay to get a prospective team and a TV deal involving PKP and TVA sports, I can see there may be potential to get it done using Telus Stadium as a temp home until something can be built

As for TV, I think part of the need to push these changes through aggressively is to show the league is progressing and moving forward.....again time will tell

[elly63]

Originally Posted by cjones2451

If there is partnership with Jacques Tanguay to get a prospective team and a TV deal involving PKP and TVA sports, I can see there may be potential to get it done using Telus Stadium as a temp home until something can be built

I posted earlier an article which basically says Tanguay is not interested, the stadium cannot be expanded, and Tanguay seems to think they need a 35-40k stadium IIRC

[jonny24]

Originally Posted by cjones2451

As for TV, I think part of the need to push these changes through aggressively is to show the league is progressing and moving forward.....again time will tell

Is "change for change's sake" really worth millions more to a broadcaster?

...Actually, TSN may be as lazy and unimaginative as I feel the CFL BOG is being. I hadn't considered that they also think that making the slightly-different-rules, slightly less different, is the magic bullet

[BlackDog204]

Originally Posted by Hackslack

I highlighted the NFL “fanboy” as many people on this thread do, naturally, cause it is common for NFL fanboys come in and trash the league. When, in my opinion, they are not even fans of the game, rather just fantasy league fanboys who, without fantasy football, wouldn’t even follow or appreciate the game… apologies for accusing you as an NFL fantasy leaguer.

Wanting to keep the CFL's more distinctive features, as to what makes it unique to the American counterpart (55 yard line, longer end zones, more missed FG returns, etc), makes one an "NFL fanboy?" That's very bizarre, to say the least.

Common sense would dictate that most of those who are against the field changes, are doing so since they love the uniqueness and excitement of the Canadian game, but how one arrives at thinking anyone against the changes are "NFL fantasy fanboys," is anyone's guess...

[elly63]

Originally Posted by cjones2451

As for TV, I think part of the need to push these changes through aggressively is to show the league is progressing and moving forward.....again time will tell

I think it has to be discerned whether the Commish is still married to TSN or if he is willing to do something like I mentioned above if it was possible.

One thing that should have been done long ago instead of the useless CFL 2.0 is to establish a FAST channel to get more eyeballs (domestically and abroad) on the game. Each team does their own internal content making that is essentially going to waste that could be used to provide league news and magazine shows.

As I said, years ago I watched an in-house TiCats broadcast of a game and it wasn't too far off from what TSN was doing at the time, so the content is good and also plentiful.

They're probably beholding to the broadcast rights holders for live games but a few historical games and week old games could help fill the schedule.

FAST channels and their carriers are the fastest (pardon the expression) growing segment of providing content (free) and most sports have them.

Maybe that is what the Commish meant when he said app, that might provide something similar

[elly63]

Originally Posted by jonny24

...Actually, TSN may be as lazy and unimaginative as I feel the CFL BOG is being. I hadn't considered that they also think that making the slightly-different-rules, slightly less different, is the magic bullet

This I know. I saw an interview with the Commish where he said he wanted to see the goalposts back since he was a kid.

Was he some sort of football genius calculating the data and analysis of the benefits of moving the posts or as a normal kid thinking it would look more like the NFL that he would have been exposed to in Ontario?

[cjones2451]

Originally Posted by elly63

I think it has to be discerned whether the Commish is still married to TSN or if he is willing to do something like I mentioned above if it was possible.

One thing that should have been done long ago instead of the useless CFL 2.0 is to establish a FAST channel to get more eyeballs (domestically and abroad) on the game. Each team does their own internal content making that is essentially going to waste that could be used to provide league news and magazine shows.

As I said, years ago I watched an in-house TiCats broadcast of a game and it wasn't too far off from what TSN was doing at the time, so the content is good and also plentiful.

They're probably beholding to the broadcast rights holders for live games but a few historical games and week old games could help fill the schedule.

FAST channels and their carriers are the fastest (pardon the expression) growing segment of providing content (free) and most sports have them.

Maybe that is what the Commish meant when he said app, that might provide something similar

I know they have the CFL+ channel now, maybe it would expand to a FAST channel ?

[cjones2451]

Originally Posted by elly63

This I know. I saw an interview with the Commish where he said he wanted to see the goalposts back since he was a kid.

Was he some sort of football genius calculating the data and analysis of the benefits of moving the posts or as a normal kid thinking it would look more like the NFL that he would have been exposed to in Ontario?

He said he grew up in Ottawa as a CFL fan

Even if he wanted to move the goal posts forever, I am sure the BoG is not going to support it unless there was a bigger plan. I would also think that being an employee of the CFL now, not TSN he would be looking for the best deal for the league, not TSN

[elly63]

Originally Posted by cjones2451

I would also think that being an employee of the CFL now, not TSN he would be looking for the best deal for the league, not TSN

One would like to think that but as often as I heard the word partner during the last contract I fear they are joined at the hip.