Commissioner Stewart Johnston aimed to secure a fresh television contract before the 2026 CFL season kickoff. Delivering on this objective, the former TSN executive successfully closed the CFL’s most extensive broadcast deal to date on Thursday.
The CFL disclosed a six-year extension with Bell Media, the parent company of TSN, solidifying their role as the primary broadcaster for the league. However, starting in 2027, the streaming platform DAZN will exclusively showcase a Saturday night game each week, constituting approximately a quarter of the CFL’s 81-game regular season. This partnership also involves YouTube as a key Premiere Platform collaborator.
While specific financial details were not shared, insider information suggests that the combined agreement is valued at around $500 million. The CFL emphasized that these new domestic and global partnerships mark the largest media valuation in the league’s history.
As the CFL approaches the final season of its existing six-year broadcast deal with TSN, discussions are ongoing about its American broadcast contract with CBS Sports Network, set to end soon. Johnston highlighted the importance of engaging new audiences through compelling storytelling and quality content. The expanded agreement not only focuses on broadcasting CFL games but also emphasizes delivering diverse content to engage fans through various platforms.
Under the extended agreement, TSN will broadcast the majority of CFL games, playoffs, and the Grey Cup annually. RDS will remain the exclusive French broadcaster for the CFL. Shawn Redmond, Vice President of Bell Media Sports, expressed enthusiasm for the enhanced partnership and reiterated Bell Media’s commitment to providing unparalleled CFL coverage to fans across Canada.
DAZN Canada will introduce Saturday Night Football exclusively during the regular season and playoffs, alongside becoming the official global broadcaster for CFL games outside of Canada and the U.S. DAZN will also oversee the production of CFL coverage and plans to bring a fresh perspective to sports production in Canada.
YouTube’s involvement will include live pre-season games, enhanced CFL combine coverage, and an All-Access unscripted series. Nicole Bell, Head of YouTube Canada, emphasized the platform’s commitment to expanding the CFL’s reach and engaging fans across the country.
Overall, the new broadcast partnerships are set to elevate the CFL’s visibility on a global scale, offering fans an enriched viewing experience and highlighting the league’s brand in innovative ways.