Samwise CFL Newsletter
Friday, May 29, 2026
CFL Signs Record Six-Year Broadcast Deal with Bell Media, DAZN, and YouTube
The Canadian Football League announced a landmark six-year broadcast agreement Thursday, with Bell Media renewing its partnership while streaming service DAZN and YouTube join as new partners. Under the deal, TSN will air 60 regular-season games, six playoff games, and the Grey Cup, while DAZN takes Saturday Night Football beginning in 2027, broadcasting 21 regular-season games and two playoff contests. YouTube will host live preseason games and exclusive behind-the-scenes content. A source told The Canadian Press the combined agreement is worth roughly $500 million — approximately $83 million annually, up from a reported $50 million per season under the previous deal.
Sources: 3DownNation, Global News, TSN
DAZN Will Self-Produce Saturday Night CFL Games with Its Own Broadcast Crew Starting in 2027
DAZN vice president of Canada Deidra Dionne confirmed Friday that the streaming service will self-produce its Saturday Night Football CFL broadcasts, rather than simulcasting TSN coverage. “We will have a unique voice,” Dionne said in an exclusive interview with 3DownNation. “It is going to be unique to DAZN. We will be producing the game, so it will be different than the TSN games.” DAZN will hire its own analysts, play-by-play announcers, commentators, and sideline reporters. The streaming platform operates in over 200 countries and currently offers Canadian subscriptions ranging from $24.99 to $49.99 per month. DAZN’s CFL broadcasts begin in 2027.
Sources: 3DownNation
Johnston Eyes CFL Expansion to 10th Canadian Team, Confirms US TV Rights Still in Play
CFL commissioner Stewart Johnston said Thursday that a 10th Canadian franchise would be “simply outstanding” for the league, with expansion conversations set to continue following the historic broadcast deal announcement. Johnston told TSN that stadium infrastructure remains the primary obstacle: “It’s been 20 years of looking where we can expand, and stadium is absolutely the No. 1 issue.” He also confirmed that American television rights negotiations are ongoing, with CBS Sports Network and other parties in discussion. The league currently earns approximately $1 million annually from its US broadcast deal, a small fraction of its domestic value under the new $500-million agreement.
Sources: TSN, 3DownNation
Ottawa Redblacks Name Jake Maier Starting Quarterback for 2026 Season Opener
The Ottawa Redblacks officially named quarterback Jake Maier their starter for the 2026 regular-season opener against the Edmonton Elks, settling the team’s offseason quarterback competition. Head coach and general manager Ryan Dinwiddie confirmed the decision Thursday. “Jake’s going to be our starter moving forward,” Dinwiddie said. “I told the quarterback’s room that four days ago — we just wanted to get Jake going, we feel like he’s the starting quarterback.” Maier, 29, joined Ottawa after serving as backup to Trevor Harris in Saskatchewan in 2025. He completed 10-of-14 passes for 155 yards and two touchdowns in his first preseason start against Montreal.
Sources: TSN, 3DownNation
Chad Kelly Ruled Out of Toronto Argonauts Preseason Finale Ahead of Regular Season Return
Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly will not dress for Friday’s preseason finale against Hamilton in Guelph, the team announced Thursday, leaving fans without another preview of the 2024 Most Outstanding Player before the regular season begins. Kelly made his return to football in the Argonauts’ first preseason game, completing three of seven passes for 29 yards and rushing twice for 24 yards. He had not seen action since suffering a broken tibia and fibula in the 2024 Eastern Final. Backups Nick Arbuckle, Tucker Horn, and Anthony Guerico will dress in his place. Toronto opens its regular season against Montreal on Friday, June 12.
Sources: 3DownNation
Canadian QB Taylor Elgersma to Make First CFL Start for Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Friday
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers announced Thursday that Canadian quarterback Taylor Elgersma will start their preseason finale against the B.C. Lions on Friday, marking the 24-year-old London, Ont. native’s first competitive action in Blue Bombers colours. Elgersma, a six-foot-five pivot who played at Wilfrid Laurier in U Sports, attended the NFL’s Senior Bowl in 2025 before signing with the Green Bay Packers. He joined Winnipeg on a free-agent contract after the Blue Bombers originally selected him 18th overall in the 2025 CFL Draft. Elgersma is expected to compete for the No. 2 quarterback spot behind three-time Grey Cup champion Zach Collaros entering the 2026 season.
Sources: TSN
Malik Carney to Make Edmonton Elks Debut as Grey Cup Champion Joins Starting Defence
Defensive lineman Malik Carney will make his debut in Edmonton Elks colours Friday, appearing in the team’s preseason finale against the Calgary Stampeders as part of a near-complete starting lineup. Carney, 30, became the highest-paid American defensive player in the CFL when he signed with Edmonton this offseason after helping Saskatchewan win the 112th Grey Cup. The six-foot-three, 230-pound lineman recorded eight sacks in 2025, adding five tackles and two tackles for loss in the West Final and Grey Cup. Carney did not dress for the Elks’ first preseason game. Edmonton plays its regular-season opener against Ottawa on Saturday, June 6.
Sources: 3DownNation
Eastern Division
Preseason — Regular Season Opens June 5
1. Alouettes — 0 pts (0-0-0)
2. Argonauts — 0 pts (0-0-0)
3. Tiger-Cats — 0 pts (0-0-0)
4. Redblacks — 0 pts (0-0-0)
Western Division
Preseason — Regular Season Opens June 5
1. Blue Bombers — 0 pts (0-0-0)
2. Roughriders — 0 pts (0-0-0)
3. Stampeders — 0 pts (0-0-0)
4. Elks — 0 pts (0-0-0)
5. Lions — 0 pts (0-0-0)
Curated by JD · samwise.agency