TSN Signs Biggest Deal Ever for Broadcasting 2026

The new Commissioner of the CFL Stewart Johnston is a former TSN executive and it stands to reason the teams across the league were looking for a good TV deal to give them. The league got the highest price and the most game ever across TV, cable and streaming. The estimated amount of money paid out is $500 million over six years. The previous six years was $50 million season.

Bell Media does the most in broadcasts through TSN, CTV and Crave. They will carry 60 of 81 games on Thursday Night Football  and Friday Night Football games starting on next year. DAZN becomes the new streaming partner and will start a new Saturday Night Football program for CFL that has its own broadcast crew, play by play, colour and sideline staff. All CFL broadcasts will be available on DAZN internationally for free.

DAZN is a paid service premium versus watching on basic cable. All sports watching has a fee attached, it will just be curious what one game a week on DAZN ends up costing. Their basic service now is $29.00 Canadian a month. That might be steep for a month where your team only places once or twice on the channel.

As for YouTube, they will be covering pre-season games. Not clear on if they have their own broadcast team for that. They will also cover the CFL Combine which is exciting because it really is a fan experience when done right. There will also be a lot of CFL material on YouTube such as highlights and other features. An All Access behind the scenes show is planned.

To be sure there is a need for more clarity on exactly the costs and the coverage for this extended CFL coverage. It is doubtful Americans would pay that type of money for one NFL game a week for a subscription so why would DAZN think Canadians would? Hope the company clarifies this as there are sure to be questions. Two play-off games are to be on DAZN. Do you need a year subscription to get those?

Make no mistake this is a very good news story for the CFL. They money stabilizes the league finances for years to come. There may be more TV deals coming. The U.S. rights are currently held by CBS Sports for $1 million a year. It stands to reason there may be more coming, especially if there are more teams and more product. Could we see a CBS renewal and more term and money? Or are their other sports networks out there that might want the CFL?

There are a lot of rule changes this year so we'll see if the product on the field makes for exciting football. It is still unique compared to the NFL. That has always been a strength. Too much like the NFL though and there question might be: why a CFL at all?