https://www.tsn.ca/cfl-to-explore-opportunities-for-alignment-with-xfl-1.1605335

CFL to explore opportunities for alignment with XFL

The Canadian Football League and XFL owners Dany Garcia, Dwayne Johnson, and RedBird Capital announced Wednesday that they have agreed to work together to identify opportunities for the leagues to collaborate and “grow the game of football.”

The Canadian Football League and XFL owners Dany Garcia, Dwayne Johnson, and RedBird Capital announced Wednesday that they have agreed to work together to identify opportunities for the leagues to collaborate and “grow the game of football.”

“Canada has an exciting game and devoted fans, and our discussion with the XFL provides a tremendous opportunity to build on that strong foundation,” CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie said in a statement.

“We look forward to exploring how we might work with one of the most innovative sports brands in the world to grow the game, engage fans in new ways, and reach new audiences. We look forward to seeing what possibilities our discussions might uncover, and to sharing those with our fans as the process unfolds.”

Johnson, the former pro wrestler turned actor and entrepreneur, was briefly a member of the Calgary Stampeders’ practice roster in 1995. He teamed up with longtime business partner Garcia and RedBird Capital to purchase the XFL from World Wrestling Entertainment chairman and CEO Vince McMahon for $15 million in August.

“Since we first acquired the XFL, we have focused on identifying partners who share our vision and values on and off the field,” Garcia said in a statement. “A vision filled with opportunity, innovation and the highest level of entertainment value for the benefit of our athletes, fans and communities. The CFL has expressed that similar sentiment and jointly we recognize a great opportunity to build exciting innovative football experiences that make the most of each league's unique strengths. I look forward to our continued discussions and we will update the sports community as we have more to share.”

The XFL played half of its 10-game season in 2020 before pausing because of the coronavirus pandemic. In a tweet last October, Johnson said the XFL is targeting a return in the spring of 2022.

"We are honoured and excited to be in discussions with the CFL. It's clear through our early conversations that we share a passion for football, an expansive sense of possibility, and a deep desire to create more opportunity for players and fans across North America and around the world,” said Jeffrey Pollack, XFL president and CEO, in a statement. 

“Blending the CFL’s rich heritage with our fresh thinking, and the unique reach and experience of our ownership, could be transformative for the game. We look forward to learning more about what's possible together with the CFL and where our shared passion takes us."

Edited March 10, 20214 yr by JCon

 

1 hour ago, JCon said:

There must be solutions to raise attendance that don't involve pieces of poontang pie? 

I heard from a reliable source that the rock might prefer strudel 

9 minutes ago, 17to85 said:

I heard from a reliable source that the rock might prefer strudel 

37 minutes ago, Noeller said:

 

What difference does it make if the CFL's been around "forever" if they have no money? Tradition means nothing. That's like saying an old homeless man is better than a young one because he was born earlier. If you're broke then you're broke. Young or old. 

 

Edited March 17, 20214 yr by SpeedFlex27

Anyone still think that Redbird Capital  owners of the XFL approached the CFL??? I don't think so. This is why the CFL needs the XFL far more than the other way around. Check this deal out.

 

RedBird Capital Acquiring Ten Percent of Fenway Sports Group for $750 Million (yahoo.com)

1 hour ago, Brandon said:

I dunno maybe find investors from Canada might be a good start,  maybe Ambrosie had been to busy visiting places in Europe during his reign pre COVID to focus his time on keeping it Canadian.      

My guess is that next he'll try to convince players in getting paid in Doge Coin or NFT art because he's lazy and read an article about get rich quick with the latest flash in the pan schemes.   

If Ambrosie is going to give up then why not approach Vince McMahon who has way more cash then The Rock,  he wanted to buy the league before and has owned 2 XFL promotions over the Rock only owning 1. 

OMG!! Why didn't anyone else think of that!!??!!!

21 minutes ago, SpeedFlex27 said:

Anyone still think that Redbird Capital  owners of the XFL approached the CFL??? I don't think so. This is why the CFL needs the XFL far more than the other way around. Check this deal out.

 

RedBird Capital Acquiring Ten Percent of Fenway Sports Group for $750 Million (yahoo.com)

But someone on here said that XFL doesn't have money because "Vince has way more money than The Rock"......LOL! Of all the ******* things...

16 minutes ago, Noeller said:

But someone on here said that XFL doesn't have money because "Vince has way more money than The Rock"......LOL! Of all the ******* things...

I know. Yuck, yuck, yuck. I just shook my head at that comment. 

2 hours ago, Brandon said:

I dunno maybe find investors from Canada might be a good start,  maybe Ambrosie had been to busy visiting places in Europe during his reign pre COVID to focus his time on keeping it Canadian.      

That would be ideal, I just don't think it will ever happen. We have to remember, Ambrosie is not going rogue on this. He's following the wishes of the owners. I would think every private owner in the CFL is open to some $$$ from the Rock. They were losing money before COVID. Lawless said on Peterson's podcast that the Montreal owners basically bought the team with the intention of the CFL looking for other avenues to increase revenue. 

To be clear, I love the CFL! I just am facing the reality that we are in now, and have been in for a while. The CFL is in trouble financially. Pre COVID I was thinking it was only a matter of time before the CFL would have to look at some type of single ownership model to survive. Didn't predict it may be with the People's Champ though. 

 

2 hours ago, Bigblue204 said:

OMG!! Why didn't anyone else think of that!!??!!!

What has he done or what headlines or initiatives outside of trying to expand to Moncton has he done in regards with Canadian investors.  I guess the bumbling of the Alouettes and screwing that up as well would be a 2nd failed thing he's attempted.  

And how has he done compared to guys before,  the only headlines he's made is trying to extend to Mexico, Europe and now the States with zero success.   He's been by far the biggest failure in the last 30 years of all the different CFL commissioners.  It's unfortunate that during the largest crisis that the CFL was stuck with the worst leader they have had.  

As I said before... it's sad that a rinky dink league with teams like the Goldeyes can get their **** in order while Ambrosie is praying and hoping that they can sell the league to Americans for a quick buck.    His arrogance and lazyness completely torpedoed any chance of help from the feds and now he's in desperation mode.   

13 hours ago, Brandon said:

St Louis because they were also pissed off at the owner leaving town,  that is why they had good attendances for their XFL team. 

Good call. I wonder if Idaho wouldnt be a better target market too. 

2 hours ago, Noeller said:

But someone on here said that XFL doesn't have money because "Vince has way more money than The Rock"......LOL! Of all the ******* things...

Vince and his investors had more money before the failed senate run and 2 attempts at the XFL. 

Also investing in a group like FSB is just that. Long term thats almost as safe as investing in a hedge fund. And right now, is the lowest time in probably close to a century to buy into that group. That was just a brilliant long term money making move. Redbird has drastically better money making iq than vince. The problem with that is Vince has no problem dropping half of his net worth on pipe dreams. Redbird would cut loses much much sooner. 

But to be devils advocate, vince is still worth some 2.1 Billion. While the rock is worth 320m.  But redbird has about 25-50% more money invested in various parts of the market as vince is worth. 

20 minutes ago, Brandon said:

What has he done or what headlines or initiatives outside of trying to expand to Moncton has he done in regards with Canadian investors.  I guess the bumbling of the Alouettes and screwing that up as well would be a 2nd failed thing he's attempted.  

And how has he done compared to guys before,  the only headlines he's made is trying to extend to Mexico, Europe and now the States with zero success.   He's been by far the biggest failure in the last 30 years of all the different CFL commissioners.  It's unfortunate that during the largest crisis that the CFL was stuck with the worst leader they have had.  

As I said before... it's sad that a rinky dink league with teams like the Goldeyes can get their **** in order while Ambrosie is praying and hoping that they can sell the league to Americans for a quick buck.    His arrogance and lazyness completely torpedoed any chance of help from the feds and now he's in desperation mode.   

The Goldeyes had to go play an entire season in the States. Where most states they played in had little to no public health orders (North Dakota, South Dakota ect.) Not sure how they are similar. 

4 hours ago, JCon said:

thanks a lot assholes....you sent me down a YouTube rabbit hole of WWE Attitude Era matches....

The Hurricane vs. The Rock "feud" was always a guilty pleasure. 

best ever comeback. @17to85

Edited March 17, 20214 yr by Mark F

3 hours ago, Brandon said:

What has he done or what headlines or initiatives outside of trying to expand to Moncton has he done in regards with Canadian investors.  I guess the bumbling of the Alouettes and screwing that up as well would be a 2nd failed thing he's attempted.  

And how has he done compared to guys before,  the only headlines he's made is trying to extend to Mexico, Europe and now the States with zero success.   He's been by far the biggest failure in the last 30 years of all the different CFL commissioners.  It's unfortunate that during the largest crisis that the CFL was stuck with the worst leader they have had.  

As I said before... it's sad that a rinky dink league with teams like the Goldeyes can get their **** in order while Ambrosie is praying and hoping that they can sell the league to Americans for a quick buck.    His arrogance and lazyness completely torpedoed any chance of help from the feds and now he's in desperation mode.   

He sold some tee shirts after the race riot in Charlotte. And the Colin Kaepernick banning. Took advantage of both situations which really turned me off of the guy. Especially when that BLM protestor was killed. He mocked the NFL saying our league was more diverse. Well, how's it worked for him since?

I really can't see Mr. Trudeau giving the league help. It just optically doesn't look good for politicians to help things perceived as non-essential like sports.

I'm not saying I agree with that logic, just that I can see how it doesn't look good from a political perspective.

What about playing regular CFL games down south for the 2021 season and just televising them back home? XFL is out of the picture this season. But CFL needs gate revenue. How can that happen when COVID restrictions are so tight and patchwork across Canada? So Bombers and CFLs other teams play in XFL stadiums this season in front of US fans. That way they can earn some ticket money at the gate as it would be a novelty for American football fans who aren't so COVID shy/restricted. I'd be OK with that. Of course I'd prefer to be sitting at IGF but somehow I don't think it'll happen this year - and so CFL plays 2021 season - just not in the usual places.

5 minutes ago, Doublezero said:

What about playing regular CFL games down south for the 2021 season and just televising them back home? XFL is out of the picture this season. But CFL needs gate revenue. How can that happen when COVID restrictions are so tight and patchwork across Canada? So Bombers and CFLs other teams play in XFL stadiums this season in front of US fans. That way they can earn some ticket money at the gate as it would be a novelty for American football fans who aren't so COVID shy/restricted. I'd be OK with that. Of course I'd prefer to be sitting at IGF but somehow I don't think it'll happen this year - and so CFL plays 2021 season - just not in the usual places.

Why would anyone in the US go watch these games? 

2 hours ago, Doublezero said:

What about playing regular CFL games down south for the 2021 season and just televising them back home? XFL is out of the picture this season. But CFL needs gate revenue. How can that happen when COVID restrictions are so tight and patchwork across Canada? So Bombers and CFLs other teams play in XFL stadiums this season in front of US fans. That way they can earn some ticket money at the gate as it would be a novelty for American football fans who aren't so COVID shy/restricted. I'd be OK with that. Of course I'd prefer to be sitting at IGF but somehow I don't think it'll happen this year - and so CFL plays 2021 season - just not in the usual places.

This is how many fans would show up if the Bombers played the Stampeders in the US,,, It also shows you why 3 down football on an NFL sized field would never work. Why 4 down football with the smaller field is the only alternative. Right, Colin Unger? They can't add 5-8 yards to the width of the field like you suggested. 

Edited March 18, 20214 yr by SpeedFlex27

5 hours ago, Eternal optimist said:

I really can't see Mr. Trudeau giving the league help. It just optically doesn't look good for politicians to help things perceived as non-essential like sports.

I'm not saying I agree with that logic, just that I can see how it doesn't look good from a political perspective.

Considering he gave big American companies 50 - 100 million dollars freely and dropped a billion dollars to Syria... I don't think it would of killed him to give 50 million + to the CFL.  

Working at various federal Gov't jobs in my career...  50 million is a drop in the bucket.  I've worked on unnecessary projects that have been given 10 - 15 million dollars that ended up going down the toilet because of the lamest of things (usually egos /  hurt feelings).   The Feds EASILY can give the money. 

3 hours ago, Brandon said:

Considering he gave big American companies 50 - 100 million dollars freely and dropped a billion dollars to Syria... I don't think it would of killed him to give 50 million + to the CFL.  

Working at various federal Gov't jobs in my career...  50 million is a drop in the bucket.  I've worked on unnecessary projects that have been given 10 - 15 million dollars that ended up going down the toilet because of the lamest of things (usually egos /  hurt feelings).   The Feds EASILY can give the money. 

CFL can’t afford to donate money to campaign contributions and kickback some of those funds. 

15 hours ago, 17to85 said: