CPL TV Contract

[adamjwpgfutebol]

Ok, if the CPL does to decide to get a tv contract, where would you most likely find it to be?

I could see as follows:

TSN - Because the CSA already shows their games on the station.

Telelatino- To have a multiultural broadcaster. 

 

Possibly CBC, but I dont know. I would prefer CPL games to be on CBC, (game of the week) but who knows, right? 

[matty]

55 minutes ago, adamjwpgfutebol said:

Ok, if the CPL does to decide to get a tv contract, where would you most likely find it to be?

I could see as follows:

TSN - Because the CSA already shows their games on the station.

Telelatino- To have a multiultural broadcaster. 

 

Possibly CBC, but I dont know. I would prefer CPL games to be on CBC, (game of the week) but who knows, right? 

TSN makes sense on paper but I think they might be unwilling to go for something that brings in under 50k viewers a game. Same goes for Sportsnet. If either is the broadcaster, the CPL would likely end up on TSN Go or the SportsNet app.

TLN is the network I could see going for CPL as they would adore something that could get them 20-50k for 90 minutes. It would be a good place to start out as it's widely available. You could also do reply or non-"Game of the Week" games on their side channel EuroWorld. ATN should also be mentioned but they do have a lot more of a specialised focused.

CBC seems like the longest of shots.

beIN would be cool but it's got no reach.

Pairing with a Global or City or indies like CHEK could be a decent way to get notice with little risk to all parties. This could see streaming done for those outside of the broadcast region.

It might be more out there but a lifestyle network like OLN or Wild could be an interesting option.

Honestly if I guessed the likiest options
1. TLN/EuroSport
2. Handful of locals + streams
3. beIN
4. TSN Go

[Greatest Cockney Rip Off]

If I had to take a guess, I'd say Game TV. 

[BringBackTheBlizzard]

6 hours ago, adamjwpgfutebol said:

...Telelatino- To have a multiultural broadcaster.

Could see something like that 30 or 40 years ago but what's the multicultural angle nowadays if there are no ethnic clubs involved? My guess would be a speciality sports channel like beIN sports with the league having to pay the production costs.

[mpg_29]

Biggest hindrance with TV contracts is going to be the lack teams in the big 3 cities....

Anyway TSN or Sportsnet would be the most obvious choice but I just wish TSN offered a subscription service independent of cable.

[MtlMario]

I don't know if this has anything to do with anything but last week our local (MTL) CTV news team let go the 3 sportscasters they had. Cost cutting I guess.

[mpg_29]

4 minutes ago, MtlMario said:

I don't know if this has anything to do with anything but last week our local (MTL) CTV news team let go the 3 sportscasters they had. Cost cutting I guess.

Sports and 24/7 news are the only viable TV channels left imo...it's the only things that people will watch live rather than on demand.

[matty]

5 hours ago, BringBackTheBlizzard said:

Could see something like that 30 or 40 years ago but what's the multicultural angle nowadays if there are no ethnic clubs involved? My guess would be a speciality sports channel like beIN sports with the league having to pay the production costs.

I think TLN is trying to go more mainstream now (a lot less Latin/Italian programming, a lot more digestible cooking shows, reruns and Lucha Underground) so CPL could fit their new image. They're also in 6 million homes across Canada so they're not some obscure channel (Sportsnet for comparison is in 8 million).

beIN is totally the most likely of the speciality sports channels and would be a great move. Reach aside, beIN has level of seriousness on soccer that could help give CPL cred. It's biggest issues are cost and how few people have it.

Agree on the league covering production.

If CPL ends up on a TLN or beIN, it could easily become the tentpole even with under 50k watching games.

Edited July 2, 2017 by matty

[ironcub14]

Good points by Matty, I know we discussed this topic in another thread before, but I do like how you've put a lot of thought into it to make a case for TLN at least, when I was arguing more for beIN.

Ideally would obviously be TSN or Sportsnet. One point I'd like to make quickly about the two channels that I haven't seen anybody make much or yet; there's always TSN2 or Sportnet One or SN360 as viable options for CPL. These channels are showing absolute junk, even on weekend evenings, during the summer, when there's not enough CFL, MLB and MLS to go around. I will say I have seen TFC on all three of those channels at one point over the last few years, as well as FC Edmonton on SN360 one time.

I do hope the big 2 realize the potential that CPL can have, but it's obviously up to the league and the fans to fulfill that potential and show that to the big 2.

[matty]

46 minutes ago, ironcub14 said:

Good points by Matty, I know we discussed this topic in another thread before, but I do like how you've put a lot of thought into it to make a case for TLN at least, when I was arguing more for beIN.

Ideally would obviously be TSN or Sportsnet. One point I'd like to make quickly about the two channels that I haven't seen anybody make much or yet; there's always TSN2 or Sportnet One or SN360 as viable options for CPL. These channels are showing absolute junk, even on weekend evenings, during the summer, when there's not enough CFL, MLB and MLS to go around. I will say I have seen TFC on all three of those channels at one point over the last few years, as well as FC Edmonton on SN360 one time.

I do hope the big 2 realize the potential that CPL can have, but it's obviously up to the league and the fans to fulfill that potential and show that to the big 2.

I too am really hopeful a TV deal else where is a practice run or proof of concept for TSN or Sportsnet and one will pick it up prior to 2026. SN360 makes the most sense to me of the side channels you mentioned. While I've never liked watching TFC on it, I think it would be a stable place to show the CPL and could provide the league with strong Friday-Sunday coverage (I bet they'd be pleased to have a tentpole 5 nights a week when you combine CPL and WWE )

On 2017-7-2 at 4:59 AM, Greatest Cockney Rip Off said:

If I had to take a guess, I'd say Game TV. 

Just noticed this and actually would not be shocked. Anthem Sports is a risk taker

If you don't know Anthem, they handle the broadcasting of a lot of e-sports, extreme sports and fantasy sports and are really into combat stuff (they own Fight Network and TNA Wrestling). They're big on risks such as TNA and creating the first fantasy sports TV channel so this could happen lol

Edited July 4, 2017 by matty

[Greatest Cockney Rip Off]

They also do the Wolfpack matches and I think the Wolfpack have set up a pretty good template some CPL clubs could follow. 

[Ansem]

I found this comment about the CBC on another forum providing another point of view. Any merits to that? Was the NHL, CFL ever subsidized early in their history? I could see the merits of sponsorship

They also have a mandate to produce Canadian Content and the cutbacks suffered under Harper have been rolled back by the new liberal regime to the tune of $113 million dollars over the next 5 years. The CPL is under the CSA which is under Sport Canada which is under the Heritage Ministry (which also provides some funding to the CBC). I could see some policy wonk creating a report why it would be in Canada's cultural interests to subsidize the CPL though CBC TV Contract payments.

Edited July 4, 2017 by Ansem

[matty]

50 minutes ago, Greatest Cockney Rip Off said:

They also do the Wolfpack matches and I think the Wolfpack have set up a pretty good template some CPL clubs could follow. 

Who? Game tv? If so I up them to a top 4 contender

[Greatest Cockney Rip Off]

55 minutes ago, matty said:

Who? Game tv? If so I up them to a top 4 contender

Yes, Game TV do the Wolfpack matches. They are also streamed on the CBC website. 

[matty]

Just now, Greatest Cockney Rip Off said:

Yes, Game TV do the Wolfpack matches. They are also streamed on the CBC website. 

I knew the stream but had no idea about Game TV until today. Perhaps we should explore it

New Top 5 contenders
1. TLN for Game of the Week + Eurosport and streaming for everything else
2. A collective of indie and locals (Global, City, CHECK, CHCH, NTV) and streaming
3. beIN Sports
4. GameTV  for Game of the week + streaming
5. TSN Go

[Gopherbashi]

1 hour ago, Ansem said:

I found this comment about the CBC on another forum providing another point of view. Any merits to that? Was the NHL, CFL ever subsidized early in their history? I could see the merits of sponsorship

They also have a mandate to produce Canadian Content and the cutbacks suffered under Harper have been rolled back by the new liberal regime to the tune of $113 million dollars over the next 5 years. The CPL is under the CSA which is under Sport Canada which is under the Heritage Ministry (which also provides some funding to the CBC). I could see some policy wonk creating a report why it would be in Canada's cultural interests to subsidize the CPL though CBC TV Contract payments.

I'm talking out of my ass here, but I don't think the government was into the subsidy business in the late 1910s and early 1920s.

[matty]

Something that have haven't really seen mentioned is the cost to produce the broadcasts.

Just so you're all aware it reportedy costed the NBLC between $15-25k to produce a single game for beIN.

To broadcast 60 (6 teams playing 20 games each) games live it'll cost about $900k-1.5m a year.

If the plan is game of the week thing, that game will likely cost like double to bring in extra cameras.

Also production of a weekly high lights show is likely a few grand.

Edited July 5, 2017 by matty

[dyslexic nam]

I am not sure why CBC gets dismissed so quickly.  Mandate for Canadian content.  Some consistency between their mandate and the idea of developing the Canadian sports landscape (and government synergies do happen).  Challenged to compete with the specialty channels for "big league" content, but still clearly interested in broadcasting sports.  Coast to coast over-the-air  coverage and accessible to every Canadian free of charge.  Capacity to show local games within regional markets (rather than a single 'game of the week').  And a growing (free) online platform that would allow access to pretty much anyone in an extremely convenient format.

I am a bit biased because I am a fan of the CBC, but to me there is a lot that would make sense in that sort of arrangement - especially if the dedicated sports channels aren't chomping at the bit to get in on the CPL broadcasting rights.  CBC would be smart to express an interest at the ground floor, with an option to extend if/when the broadcasting rights become more valuable.

[HfxCeltic]

1 hour ago, dyslexic nam said:

I am not sure why CBC gets dismissed so quickly.  Mandate for Canadian content.  Some consistency between their mandate and the idea of developing the Canadian sports landscape (and government synergies do happen).  Challenged to compete with the specialty channels for "big league" content, but still clearly interested in broadcasting sports.  Coast to coast over-the-air  coverage and accessible to every Canadian free of charge.  Capacity to show local games within regional markets (rather than a single 'game of the week').  And a growing (free) online platform that would allow access to pretty much anyone in an extremely convenient format.

I am a bit biased because I am a fan of the CBC, but to me there is a lot that would make sense in that sort of arrangement - especially if the dedicated sports channels aren't chomping at the bit to get in on the CPL broadcasting rights.  CBC would be smart to express an interest at the ground floor, with an option to extend if/when the broadcasting rights become more valuable.

Completely agree with all of this. The most attractive aspect of CBC having broadcasting rights is the free online platform. We cut the cord several years ago and the CBC online platform is how I've been watching NHL games for a while now. It seems like a no brainer for a start-up league to take advantage of. I've probably watched more USL games this year than MLS just due to the fact they're streamed live on youtube.

I haven't had cable in a while, so correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm not even sure a few of the networks mentioned are even offered coast-to-coast. I've never seen TLN or beIN Sport offered on any cable packages I've looked into from Bell or Eastlink.

[matty]

3 hours ago, dyslexic nam said:

I am not sure why CBC gets dismissed so quickly.  Mandate for Canadian content.  Some consistency between their mandate and the idea of developing the Canadian sports landscape (and government synergies do happen).  Challenged to compete with the specialty channels for "big league" content, but still clearly interested in broadcasting sports.  Coast to coast over-the-air  coverage and accessible to every Canadian free of charge.  Capacity to show local games within regional markets (rather than a single 'game of the week').  And a growing (free) online platform that would allow access to pretty much anyone in an extremely convenient format.

I am a bit biased because I am a fan of the CBC, but to me there is a lot that would make sense in that sort of arrangement - especially if the dedicated sports channels aren't chomping at the bit to get in on the CPL broadcasting rights.  CBC would be smart to express an interest at the ground floor, with an option to extend if/when the broadcasting rights become more valuable.

CBC get dismissed because they have the fewest links to the story, the fact Rollins went out of his way to say CPL wasn't linked to Soccer Night in Canada hurt that a lot. There's also a strong possibly that the CPL isn't big enough for CBC with the MLS in the picture.

TSN and TLN have recent links to the CSA, beIN has been willing to take chances on new sports league in Canada before and GameTV appears to have given the Wolfack actual airtime (unlike CBC). CBC don't have any strong links to this story nor have they shown much willingness to take risks on sports startups.

1 hour ago, HfxCeltic said:

Completely agree with all of this. The most attractive aspect of CBC having broadcasting rights is the free online platform. We cut the cord several years ago and the CBC online platform is how I've been watching NHL games for a while now. It seems like a no brainer for a start-up league to take advantage of. I've probably watched more USL games this year than MLS just due to the fact they're streamed live on youtube.

I haven't had cable in a while, so correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm not even sure a few of the networks mentioned are even offered coast-to-coast. I've never seen TLN or beIN Sport offered on any cable packages I've looked into from Bell or Eastlink.

CBC's stream would be good for sure but you might get more out of a well promoted YouTube channel. A family friendly channel with 100k subscribers would likely to well when it streams and have a lot of support from the site plus replays would get that ad rev.

beIN is speciality so it has to be ordered, it does work without cable I think.

Regarding TLN did you check satellite? Because it's included in the basic satellite package out there I believe.

Edited July 5, 2017 by matty

[Greatest Cockney Rip Off]

I hope they have international streaming options. 

[matty]

4 minutes ago, Greatest Cockney Rip Off said:

I hope they have international streaming options. 

OH YEAH! At least in the US.

If it is beIN, TLN or GameTV (now that you've got me hooked on them) it should be a must via one of their foreign links

[Greatest Cockney Rip Off]

2 hours ago, matty said:

OH YEAH! At least in the US.

If it is beIN, TLN or GameTV (now that you've got me hooked on them) it should be a must via one of their foreign links

I just want it for selfish reason so I can watch from the uk. 

[matty]

1 hour ago, Greatest Cockney Rip Off said:

I just want it for selfish reason so I can watch from the uk. 

If the ISL can get on Canadian TV then CPL can get a TV deal outside Canada

[Gopherbashi]

7 hours ago, dyslexic nam said:

I am not sure why CBC gets dismissed so quickly.  Mandate for Canadian content.  Some consistency between their mandate and the idea of developing the Canadian sports landscape (and government synergies do happen).  Challenged to compete with the specialty channels for "big league" content, but still clearly interested in broadcasting sports.  Coast to coast over-the-air  coverage and accessible to every Canadian free of charge.  Capacity to show local games within regional markets (rather than a single 'game of the week').  And a growing (free) online platform that would allow access to pretty much anyone in an extremely convenient format.

I am a bit biased because I am a fan of the CBC, but to me there is a lot that would make sense in that sort of arrangement - especially if the dedicated sports channels aren't chomping at the bit to get in on the CPL broadcasting rights.  CBC would be smart to express an interest at the ground floor, with an option to extend if/when the broadcasting rights become more valuable.

The issue would be finding a time that works, and whether whatever they're currently broadcasting in that timeslot would draw more viewers than the CPL.

If a Regina-Halifax CPL match draws 50,000 viewers, while an episode of Murdoch Mysteries at the same time draws 250,000, you can bet that the only soccer you'll be seeing on CBC will be Brackenreid's Olympic team.  ^{(Please let some of you be Murdoch fans)}