Quebec Metropolis may be very a lot on the CFL’s growth radar however Dr. Reginald Bibby feels the league ought to once more incorporate American-based franchises.
Final month, veteran journalist Sylvain Bouchard divulged talks have been ongoing for greater than a yr between the CFL and enterprise leaders relating to an growth franchise and new stadium in Quebec Metropolis. An appropriate venue has been the most important impediment to a tenth workforce being based mostly in Halifax.
Nevertheless, the Quebec Metropolis talks reportedly contain a proposed $350-million, 25,000-seat facility.
Bibby, a retired College of Lethbridge sociology professor and creator, acknowledges the significance of a tenth Canadian franchise. However within the appendix of his e book The Canadian Transformation: 1975-2025 — a compilation of Bibby’s nationwide surveys on tendencies in Canada that’s accessible on Amazon — Bibby states CFL growth into 4 American states that border current Canadian franchises would enhance the league’s U.S. tv income and enhance curiosity in each nations.
“Quebec Metropolis, I believe that’s the place it’s going to begin and it could be an apparent plus in Canada,” Bibby stated in a phone interview. “However it is going to do little to excite Individuals.
“The fact is success within the North American sports activities market requires getting in on the huge U.S. media sources and that requires having American cities concerned, in any other case U.S. curiosity will likely be minimal. That’s the most important cause the CFL has been unable to land a financially significant contract with any American community or streaming service regardless of being a useful property.”
Bibby’s plan would see the CFL maintaining its present East-West format and the American golf equipment being in their very own division. These franchises might have a set variety of gamers from the house state or adjoining areas on their roster to stimulate regional curiosity.
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“The purpose is this might be growth to proximate areas with well-established ties to Canada,” Bibby stated.
American cities Bibby suggests are: Spokane or a Seattle suburb; Milwaukee or St. Paul, Minn.; Detroit or a suburb; and Syracuse or a suburb.
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“The most important situation in Canada has all the time been a stadium however the good factor about that is the stadiums (in U.S. markets) are already there,” he stated. “The large factor is funding so if they’ve a workforce of buyers together with the CFL that just like the regional idea and suppose it will possibly work, I don’t suppose you’d wish to take too lengthy to get it in place.
“In the event you might put two groups in a single yr and inside a yr or two later put the opposite two in however have the general public conscious you’ve acquired this plan … I believe it could spark quite a lot of curiosity in Canada and what’s happening with the CFL. I believe it might occur pretty rapidly.”
CFL commissioner Stewart Johnston stated the league’s precedence stays the Canadian market.
“The CFL is on a development trajectory,” he stated in an announcement. “On the subject of growth, we’re squarely centered on Canada.
“We’re inspired by the curiosity from potential possession teams in numerous Canadian markets. Till there’s extra to report, the league stays centered on its 9 present groups and the 2026 season.”
Bibby appreciates regional proximity. He acquired a PhD from Washington State College earlier than embarking on a five-decade tenure at Lethbridge. In 2006, Bibby was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada.
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In 1997, Bibby introduced his survey findings to CFL officers at a two-day gathering in Edmonton. On the opening night, he proposed to a TSN official the broadcaster ought to think about branding its Friday night time telecasts.
“I urged the community ought to give an evening identify to its video games,” Bibby stated. “When he (TSN consultant) stated with irritation, ‘We have already got video games nearly each Friday night time,’ I stated, ‘So why not name it, ‘Friday Evening Soccer?’
“That fall, TSN launched this system. I had too many concepts then and nonetheless have too many now.”
The CFL had American franchises from 1993-’95 based mostly in Sacramento, Las Vegas, San Antonio, Shreveport, Birmingham, Memphis and Baltimore. It returned to its all-Canadian format in 1996.
However the growth charges generated — reportedly between US$15 and US$18 million — had been essential for the cash-strapped league. In 1996, the CFL didn’t come up with the money for to pay Edmonton and Toronto gamers within the Gray Cup sport however thankfully, Tim Hortons offered much-needed funds that ensured the gamers’ cheques would clear.
Bibby feels his plan would assist internet the CFL a extra profitable American TV deal. Its present broadcast contract with CBS Sports activities Community — which reportedly pays $1 million yearly — expires at season’s finish.
Bibby stated the CFL including 4 American territories wouldn’t threaten the NFL as a result of these markets would by no means be thought-about for NFL growth squads.
“This isn’t about promoting out, it’s about getting a useful product into the North American market,” Bibby stated. “If I had been within the espresso enterprise and Starbucks is already in Canada, I’d prefer to suppose I’d attempt creeping over the border and see if I might promote some stuff there given the market dimension and the way profitable it may very well be.
“I hope the league will suppose laborious about this — and possibly ultimately transfer to place the overall plan or one thing prefer it in place. At minimal, its exploration would generate loads of consideration however the CFL simply may discover the border area technique to be transformative.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first revealed June 17, 2026
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