“I consider MLS to be a foreign league,” was one bomb he dropped into the middle of the conversation. “It seems like we’re working for the American program sometimes,” another.
The statements mirrored those made by Victor Montagliani and Peter Montopoli at the closing press conference of the Women’s World Cup – served up a question that would have allowed them to talk up the 2026 World Cup bid they instead insisted on talking about taking care of “internal” needs first. Chief among them were governance reform and creating a league of our own.
In the spring, CSN reported the details of the creation of a Canadian league. At that time some things were still up in the air, but it was clear that the project was going ahead. Summer 2017 is the target.
Since then, CSN has learned a few more details. Key to proponents of a Canadian league is a strong domestic quota. There will be one – the figure being whispered is 70%.
Financial backing is another key area. As previously reported, there will be significant CFL involvement in the league. CSN has also heard that at least one team will have owners that have at least a minority stake in the NHL.
The league’s business model will be based on SUM – with owners sharing revenue and working together to market and grow the league. It’s thought that each team will be required to work with a $3-million budget. It was unclear whether that was total, or the salary cap. Realistically, that’s likely the total budget, which would suggest a salary cap around $1-million to $1.5-million to start.
It’s expected that the league will launch with eight teams. No one is willing to confirm what cities will be involved, but CSN has been told that investors feel it’s important to launch with teams in the three biggest markets.