Has the CFL taken a step backward?

Question

I've noticed the league seems to have lost some buzz the last two seasons. Likely started, for me, when the Gliebermans took over the Renegades.

Suddenly we have the usual commissioner scandal and talk about good things like potential expansion seem to have stopped.

Thoughts?

Answer 1

Well, I'm not sure that the league had been getting a lotta buzz lately anywhere, so I don't see it getting any less.  Perhaps in Ottawa, where there's no team anymore, or Hamilton, where they'd almost be better off without a team, heh heh...

As far as expansion goes, at this point, I'm really not sure where we could put more teams.  Ottawa is the most realistic choice, as it's the biggest city without one, but it's not like the Renegades were getting much fan support when they were around. There's Halifax, which has a decent-sized population and pretty good support for CIS football, but they don't have a CFL-sized stadium or anywhere to build it.  Beyond that, where do you go?  Quebec City?  Moncton?  Victoria?  Also, keep in mind that some of the cities where CFL football has thrived aren't necessarily the biggest markets in the country (Hamilton and Regina come to mind).

Don't get me wrong, I'd love to see the league expand, as long as it's within our borders.  But other than getting a team back in Ottawa, I don't see it happening in the near future.

Answer 2

I believe it has stayed at even keel. I beleive it will be lost in the wash when the All-American football league will start in Spring of 08'. They will be a development league to the NFL, just like the NBA has a developmental league.

Answer 3

Yeah I don't know what you're talking about loosing it's buzz, ratings for the games is up, attendance is up and teams are more competive.  

GO 'RIDERS GO

Answer 4

backwards from where?  the league plays 2nd fiddle to the NFL.  i dont think it took a step backwards, they never even took a step forward

Answer 5

Lost some buzz? Have you been living in Bananda the past two years? Ratings are great on TSN and even on CBC. Crowds are up.

The Renegades? Who cares? They have not been aroudn for years now.

What scandal? There is a new commish.

Potential expansion talk has not stopped. I just read on cfl.ca this past month or so talk of Quebec City now mentioned as an expansion site.

Honestly, have you been living in Nunavut with no Net, TV or radio access?

Answer 6

With the cap in place the CFL is going to be overtaken by the arena football league.  Very Sad.

Answer 7

It's not worth expanding if it means bringing in owners like the Glibermans.