ESPN signs multi-year deal to broadcast CFL games
By Dan Zinski
The Canadian Football League is coming to more American TV screens thanks to a multi-year deal with ESPN. In a press release, the World Wide Leader announced a contract to air at least 86 games in 2014 over various platforms.
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And yes, ESPN will air the 102nd Grey Cup. For those who don’t know, that’s the CFL Super Bowl.
ESPN Senior VP Burke Magus said in a statement:
"Since the early days of ESPN, CFL games have been a valued part of our programming lineup. I’m proud to see our relationship continue as we strive to serve football fans 365 days a year."
I think we can all remember the old days of ESPN before they had big-time American sports, when it was pretty much just SportsCenter with skinny Chris Berman, CFL games and World’s Strongest Man contests with the occasional motorcycle race mixed in.
Sometimes when Skip Bayless’ face comes on the screen, I wish we could go back to those quaint early days.
CFL commissioner Mark Cohon expressed his excitement:
"We are thrilled for our fans in the United States that the ESPN networks will be the exclusive home of our league there. This is a powerful showcase for our talented athletes, our exciting brand of football, and the CFL itself, a league with a proud history but, more importantly, a bright future."
A bright future that includes Chad Johnson playing for the Montreal Alouettes. Get your popcorn ready America (yes I know that was TO, but screw it).
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