CFL Targets US Television

September 3, 2003 - Canadian Football League (CFL) News Release

Establishing a new operating company, CFL Properties USA (CFL+USA) will be owned by a consortium of CFL clubs. The new organization will chart the course for the placement, promotion and management of CFL television in the United States. The announcement caps several months of planning and negotiation among senior management of the League and its franchise owners.

In making the announcement, CFL Commissioner, Tom Wright, underscored the importance of the U.S. market plan to the League. "Over the past number of years, the CFL has had a presence on U.S. television with game broadcasts attracting a broad spectrum of sports fans. However, with this new initiative, the League takes a strategic position in expanding its American fan base by establishing an independent operating company to aggressively plan, promote and market its broadcasts," Wright stated.

CFL+USA was conceived by Montreal Alouettes owner Robert Wetenhall, the man whose vision led to the team's extraordinary success, and Alouettes President and CEO, Ellis Prince. Prince will be responsible for the day-to-day management of CFL+USA in addition to his responsibilities with the Montreal club. Commenting on the new company, Bob Wetenhall said, "Any football fan who has ever watched a CFL game, whether in Canada or the U.S., just gets it immediately. It is fast, hard-nosed and entertaining."

Gene Dunn, Governor of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers expressed his enthusiasm for the new venture. "Our broadcast success in Canada over the past five years has allowed us to expand our horizons to the U.S. market. This new venture allows us to attack this massive television market in a very meaningful and proactive way."

CFL+USA also announced The Football Network (TFN) as its first major U.S. partnership. The new Baton-Rouge based football-only network, production group and syndicator will take a lead role in the placement of CFL games and programming including the 2003 CFL Playoffs and Grey Cup. The CFL will become a premiere element of TFN's programming.

Jerry Solomon, President and CEO of TFN, projects a strong presence for the CFL in the United States. "We will be moving forward aggressively with the Canadian game and expect that it will be available to 17 million U.S. homes in the initial phase of the launch. This is a compelling partnership for us, and we look forward to bringing it to a new generation of U.S. viewers. We're going to make it a great telecast and I really believe the fans are going to love it."

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Canadian Football League Stories from September 3, 2003

• Stampeders take weekly honours - Calgary Stampeders
• Edmonton's Hervey Suspended for One Game - CFL
• Lions Announce Plans for Pregame Pigskin Barbeque - B.C. Lions
• Ben Cahoon Dominating - Montreal Alouettes
• CFL Targets US Television - CFL
• Chris Burns Named CFL Lineman of the Week - Ottawa Renegades
• Cahoon Leads CFL Players of the Week - CFL
• Eskimos release Cordell Taylor; sign running back - Edmonton Elks

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