Johnston appointed as the latest Commissioner
New Commissioner, New Approach: Stewart Johnston's Vision for the CFL
Stewart Johnston, freshly appointed as commissioner of the Canadian Football League (CFL), is ready to shake things up and steer the league towards a promising future. Here's a lowdown on Johnston's game plan for turning heads, boosting attendance, and securing the CFL's place in the sports world.
First Steps for a Fresh Start
Johnston's tenure began on a high note, with him emphasizing the importance of listening to feedback and learning from the league's best practices. He aims to find out what excites the fans and what works across the country. With this knowledge, he plans to develop strategies that will carry the CFL into the 2026 season.
Attracting the Next Generation
One of Johnston's main objectives is to engage young people and introduce them to the CFL. He sees flag football as a powerful tool in this quest, as it is a variant of the sport that resonates with the younger demographic. Leveraging digital media, including social media and streaming services, is also key to broadening the league's appeal and connecting with the always-connected youth.
The Power of Community
Johnston believes that strong community engagement can help to increase attendance and make the CFL an integral part of Canadian sports culture. By building stronger relationships with local communities, he hopes to cultivate a sense of ownership and enthusiasm among fans.
A Deal to Boost the CFL's Profile
In the world of media deals, Johnston is counting on maximizing revenues, expanding viewership, and growing the league's visibility. Negotiations with TSN, the current broadcast partner, have been tabled until 2026, and Johnston is ready to use his extensive experience to ensure an arrangement that benefits the CFL moving forward.
Maintaining Unity and Stability
The commissioner's job often involves navigating diverse opinions among a board of directors. Johnston, however, is confident that he has already started the process of finding a unified vision for the league. By aligning the efforts of all stakeholders, he aims to create a cohesive strategy for growth and stability.
In five years, Johnston envisions a strong and sustainable CFL, characterized by nine thriving franchises, growing attendance, substantial commercial assets, a new media deal, and a deeper connection with Canadian sports fans. He calls this mission a three-pronged approach focusing on innovation, community, and entertainment.
Training camps start on May 11, and the season kicks off on June 5. The future is looking bright for the CFL, and Johnston is poised to lead the charge!
- Stewart Johnston, the new commissioner of the Canadian Football League (CFL), has agreed on the importance of innovation as a key strategy for driving the league forward.
- Johnston plans to use flag football, a more accessible variant of the sport, to attract the next generation and expand the CFL's fan base.
- In negotiations with TSN, the current broadcast partner, Johnston aims to secure a media deal that will boost the CFL's visibility and maximize revenues.
- Ambrosie, as the commissioner, recognizes the need for strong community engagement and better relationships with local communities to increase attendance and build a strong connection with Canadian sports fans.
