Canadian Football League in Turmoil: Franchise Moves, Players' Discontent, and Commissioner Larry Smith's Challenges

Strategic Insights -

The Canadian Football League (CFL) is facing turmoil as several franchises consider relocation, while others express dissatisfaction with the league's support. The Shreveport Pirates' owners refuse to move their team, citing the city's positive response to the team's first season. Meanwhile, Baltimore's franchise officials criticize the league for a lack of support, highlighting the need for more business guidance. Commissioner Larry Smith is set to receive assistance in the form of a new chief operating officer, but his challenges are far from over.

Key Takeaways:

  • The CFL is facing a potential crisis with several franchises considering relocation, including Las Vegas, Sacramento, and Hamilton.
  • The Shreveport Pirates' owners, Bernie and Lonie Glieberman, have refused to move their team, despite pressure from other owners, citing the city's strong support.
  • Baltimore's franchise officials have criticized the league for a lack of support, highlighting the need for more business guidance and a clear marketing plan.
  • Commissioner Larry Smith is set to receive assistance in the form of a new chief operating officer, but the selection process was contentious, with the first choice turning down the offer.
  • The CFL's support of its franchises has been questioned, with some owners expressing concerns about television markets and exposure.
  • The league is also facing challenges in terms of player discontent, with some players expressing dissatisfaction with the selection process for the all-star team.
  • The Grey Cup game is expected to be well-attended, but organizers are concerned about the potential for empty seats at B.C. Place.

Statistics:

  • 30,000 seats have been sold for the Grey Cup game.
  • The Shreveport Pirates sold 32,000 tickets for their final home game of the season, despite a losing record.
  • The Calgary Stampeders have a quarterback in doubt, Doug Flutie, who is telling people that voters for the outstanding-player award may choose Baltimore's Mike Pringle this year.
  • Birmingham is likely to be the destination for the Las Vegas franchise.
  • Two of Buffalo's veteran receivers, Andre Reed and Don Beebe, were injured during the Bills' loss to the New York Jets.

Sources:

  • The Winnipeg Sun
  • The Toronto Globe and Mail
  • The Vancouver Sun
  • The Calgary Herald
  • The Montreal Gazette
  • The Seattle Post-Intelligencer