The CFL announced a new broadcasting deal on Thursday, marking its largest media agreement to date.<\/p>\n
Commissioner Stewart Johnston, a former TSN executive, had aimed to secure a fresh TV deal before the 2026 season. On Thursday, he delivered by signing a six-year extension with Bell Media, the parent company of TSN, which will continue as the league\u2019s primary broadcaster. Starting in 2027, streaming service DAZN will exclusively air a Saturday night game each week\u2014roughly one-quarter of the league\u2019s 81-game regular season. In addition, YouTube has been named a Premier Platform partner.<\/p>\n
While financial terms were not officially disclosed, a source told The Canadian Press the combined deal is worth about $500 million. The CFL described the partnerships as \u201cthe largest media valuation in league history.\u201d<\/p>\n
The CFL is currently in the final season of a six-year contract with TSN, which paid an average of $50 million per year. Its American broadcast deal with CBS Sports Network, reportedly worth $1 million annually, also expires after the season. The league is exploring other U.S. options.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is about storytelling, and it\u2019s storytelling within the game,\u201d Johnston said. \u201cAll three of these partners are best in class. That\u2019s how we will reach new audiences and get them intrigued with the CFL. We think the results are going to be outstanding.\u201d<\/p>\n
Johnston emphasized that the agreement goes beyond simply broadcasting games. \u201cWe want to be sure we\u2019re delivering for our audience, however they consume, or want to consume or get introduced to, CFL content,\u201d he said. \u201cWe\u2019ve seen such success with other sports with behind-the-scenes content, with highlight-driven, widely distributed content, analysis and using creators to help talk up the CFL.\u201d<\/p>\n
TSN will air 60 regular-season games, six playoff matches, and the Grey Cup each season, continuing its Thursday and Friday night game broadcasts. The Grey Cup will also be simulcast on CTV and Crave. RDS remains the exclusive French broadcaster, showing all Montreal Alouettes games, playoff contests, and the Grey Cup.<\/p>\n
Shawn Redmond, vice-president of Bell Media Sports, called it \u201can exciting moment for the CFL.\u201d He added that the deal \u201creinforces Bell Media\u2019s position as the league\u2019s majority broadcast and streaming partner,\u201d offering unparalleled access to the game across Canada.<\/p>\n
DAZN Canada will exclusively broadcast Saturday Night Football games throughout the 21-week regular season and a Saturday night playoff game in each of the first two playoff rounds. It will also serve as the official global broadcaster for all CFL games outside Canada and the U.S., including all regular season matches, playoff games, and the Grey Cup.<\/p>\n
DAZN is available widely across Canada, with subscription prices ranging from $24.99 to $54.99 per month depending on packages and contract options. Although DAZN recently lost the Canadian rights to the UEFA Champions League, which will now stream on Paramount+ starting in 2027, it is making a significant commitment to the CFL.<\/p>\n
Deidra Dionne, head of DAZN Canada, noted her personal connection to the league. \u201cHaving grown up as an Albertan with Saskatchewan roots, I\u2019ve witnessed firsthand the proud history and passionate fan bases the CFL has,\u201d she said. \u201cThe CFL has built on that legacy through recent innovation and modernization and has solidified its place among Canada\u2019s elite properties.\u201d<\/p>\n
Johnston highlighted DAZN\u2019s plans for CFL coverage, stating, \u201cThey\u2019re going to mount their production here. This is going to be hiring commentators and panellists and sideline reporters and behind-the-scenes crews and bringing their perspective on sports production to Canada.\u201d<\/p>\n
YouTube, an American video platform, will stream live preseason games not covered by Bell Media or DAZN, enhanced CFL combine coverage, and an unscripted All-Access series. Nicole Bell, YouTube Canada\u2019s head, said the platform is \u201cthe perfect place for fans, creators, the league and players to come together.\u201d She described the partnership as a way to expand CFL content coast to coast.<\/p>\n
Johnston agreed, saying, \u201cThis partnership is outstanding, starting with the livestreaming of preseason games not carried by our other two media partners. Leading into incredibly fun events like taking their creators, who are stars, and bringing them into the CFL environment and then creating content together.\u201d<\/p>\n
He concluded that the new broadcast deal not only brings in more partners but also elevates the CFL brand on a global stage.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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