Canadian football enthusiasts have long pondered the question of how to boost the popularity of the CFL. While the league has its loyal following, there’s an idea that could revolutionize Canadian football and capture the attention of a broader audience: aligning the CFL season with the NFL. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of starting the CFL season in early April to sync up with the NFL, particularly focusing on the advantages of scheduling double headers on Sundays.
1. Capitalizing on the Football Sunday Tradition
Football Sundays are a cherished tradition in North America, and the NFL has mastered the art of making Sundays the ultimate day for football. By aligning the CFL season with the NFL, the CFL could tap into this established football-watching culture. Imagine football fans across North America waking up on Sunday mornings knowing that they have a full day of thrilling football action ahead of them.
2. Avoiding Direct NFL Competition
Making the change to starting in the earlier in the year would allow the CFL to not only carve out it’s own footing but also not complete with the NFL but also avoiding the NHL Conflicts near the most important time of the year, Playoffs. During April, May, June, there are fewer Canadian events that could take away viewership and attendance. Also making these changes, you’re avoiding the Cold of October to increase the desire to go to games.
3. Sunday Double Headers
Scheduling double headers on Sundays could be the game-changer the CFL needs. These double headers would provide fans with back-to-back football action, making Sundays even more enticing. The first game could start in the early afternoon, allowing fans to enjoy a CFL match before transitioning seamlessly into NFL games later in the day. Also with their television rights coming up in 2026, it would be able to leverage Sunday Night games on CTV or another Cable network that would allow them in more homes.
4. Expanded Television Viewership
One of the key benefits of aligning with the NFL schedule is the potential for expanded television viewership. Broadcasters could offer a football package that includes both CFL and NFL games on Sundays, providing fans with an all-day football extravaganza. This synergy could attract a new demographic of viewers who might not have previously watched CFL games. Another thing would be to get The American Coverage to be in sync with their year round coverage.
5. Enhanced Exposure for Canadian Talent
Aligning with the NFL schedule could provide Canadian players with increased exposure and opportunities. NFL scouts and teams would have the chance to scout CFL talent earlier in the year, potentially leading to more Canadian players making the leap to the NFL. This could boost the profile of Canadian football on the global stage.
6. Increased Revenue
The financial benefits of aligning with the NFL schedule cannot be understated. With Sunday double headers and a larger television audience, the CFL stands to gain significant revenue from broadcasting rights, ticket sales, and merchandise. This additional income could be reinvested in the development of the league, better player salaries, and improved facilities.
In this guy’s opinion aligning the CFL season with the NFL season, with a focus on Sunday double headers, presents a compelling case for the future of Canadian football. It capitalizes on the football Sunday tradition, avoids direct NFL competition, and offers benefits like increased television viewership, exposure for Canadian talent, and enhanced revenue. While change can be met with resistance, this strategic shift has the potential to reinvigorate the CFL and take Canadian football to new heights. It’s time to embrace this bold idea and bring the thrill of football Sundays to Canada like never before.
Ep. 67: Can the Canucks Close the series? Plus the rest of the NHL Playoffs – Hughes Sports Podcast- HSP
- Ep. 67: Can the Canucks Close the series? Plus the rest of the NHL Playoffs
- Ep 66: Arland Bruce IV Joins the Show Prior to the NFL Draft PLUS breaking down the Canucks Series
- Ep. 65: NHL Playoff Preview Extravaganza! Plus Catching up on all the NHL News with Special Guest Darren Dupont
- Ep. 64: Canucks Playoff Bound! Who's the Matchup? Ft. Kelly Kellner (Cool Bets)
- EP 63 – Canucks Clinch! Can They Conquer the Elite? CFLon a new marketing adventure!
