The NFL’s global expansion is no secret, and Toronto frequently pops up as a potential new home for a franchise. With a vibrant sports scene, passionate fans, and a convenient location, Toronto seems like a natural fit. But what would happen to the Canadian Football League (CFL) and the Toronto Argonauts if an NFL team moved in? This blog post tackles this question, diving deep into the potential effects on the Argonauts and the CFL.

The NFL’s Ambitions Beyond Borders

The NFL is on a mission to grow its international fanbase and revenue. Currently, they hold five games a year in the UK and Germany. However, that number is set to double to eight in 2025. They’re also looking at expanding to Mexico and Australia. Commissioner Roger Goodell aims for 16 international games annually within the next five years. This expansion faces challenges like travel. It also faces issues with player well-being and maintaining fair competition. However, the NFL is determined to overcome these challenges.  

Beyond games, the NFL’s Global Markets Program is another way they’re reaching out to international fans. This program gives teams marketing rights in specific countries, letting them connect with fans and build their brand . In 2024, this program grew to include 25 teams in 19 countries, including Canada . For example, the Detroit Lions now have marketing rights in Austria, Canada, Germany, and Switzerland .  

The Great White North Loves Football

American football has a strong following in Canada, especially in Toronto. A study by Angus Reid found that 20% of Canadians are dedicated NFL followers. This is slightly more than the 18% who follow the CFL . In Ontario, 66% of football fans prefer the Super Bowl over the Grey Cup. The Grey Cup is the CFL’s championship game. I am not one of the 66% in this group. I believe the CFL is a better and more enjoyable product to watch. But I digress. This preference for the NFL is even stronger in Quebec, where 78% of fans choose the Super Bowl .  

Why is the NFL so popular in Canada? It’s a combination of exciting games, famous players, and extensive media coverage. With teams like the Buffalo Bills just a short drive away, Canadian fans can easily feel connected to the NFL. The Bills, in particular, have a loyal following in Ontario. They played regular season games in Toronto from 2008 to 2013 . Speaking of dedicated fans, Super Bowl LVIII in 2024 set a Canadian viewership record. An average audience of 10 million people tuned in .  

The CFL and the Toronto Argonauts: A Canadian Tradition

The CFL has a long and storied history in Canada. It was born in 1958 when the Interprovincial Rugby Football Union and the Western Interprovincial Football Union joined forces . The CFL has its own unique rules and traditions. These create a distinct style of football. This style has entertained Canadians for generations. The Toronto Argonauts were founded in 1873. They are the oldest existing professional sports team in North America still using their original name . They’ve won the Grey Cup a record 19 times, solidifying their place in Canadian sports history .  

But the CFL faces an uphill battle to stay relevant, especially with younger fans. A 2023 Angus Reid poll showed that more Canadians follow the NFL more closely than the CFL. This trend is particularly strong among those aged 18 to 34. This raises concerns about the CFL’s future, especially if an NFL team sets up shop in Toronto.  

Despite these challenges, the CFL is actively working to grow its fanbase. The NFL/CFL Futures program introduces young people to the sport. The NFL/CFL High School Coach of the Year program also supports coaches. These programs show the CFL’s commitment to nurturing the love of football in Canada.  

The NFL in Toronto: A Game Changer?

Bringing an NFL team to Toronto would undeniably shake things up for the CFL and the Argonauts. Let’s break down the potential impacts:

Fans, Sponsors, and the Fight for Attention

An NFL team in Toronto would be a direct competitor for the Argonauts, vying for the same fans and sponsors. The NFL’s financial muscle and global brand could make it hard for the CFL to attract audiences and secure sponsorships. This competition would be especially intense in Toronto, where the Argonauts already struggle to fill seats.

The Talent Tug-of-War and Paychecks

An NFL team in Toronto could also impact player salaries and the talent pool in the CFL. NFL teams offer much bigger paychecks, which could tempt top Canadian players to head south. This could drain the CFL of its best talent, making it harder to maintain a high level of play. The NFL’s higher salaries could also lure successful CFL coaches, further impacting the league’s competitive balance.

Media Spotlight: Who Gets the Attention?

An NFL team in Toronto would likely dominate media coverage, potentially pushing the CFL to the sidelines. This could make it even harder for the CFL to attract new fans and stay in the public eye.

Canadian Football: Will it Rise or Fall?

An NFL team in Toronto could have a mixed impact on Canadian football as a whole. On one hand, it might raise the sport’s profile and attract new fans. On the other hand, it could weaken support for the CFL, putting the league’s future at risk.

Rule Differences and Fan Preferences

One key factor to consider is the difference in rules between the CFL and NFL. The CFL has a larger field. It uses three downs instead of four. The league features a unique scoring system that includes a single-point “rouge” . These differences could present challenges. Attracting fans accustomed to the NFL style of play might become more difficult.  

What the Experts Say

Experts have mixed opinions about an NFL team in Toronto and its effect on the CFL. Former Atlanta Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff believes the CFL could survive, pointing to its unique identity and loyal fans . He argues that Canadians with existing NFL loyalties wouldn’t necessarily switch to a Toronto team, allowing the CFL to coexist.  

Others are less hopeful. Some analysts think an NFL team in Toronto would be the CFL’s downfall, especially in the Toronto market . They believe the NFL’s financial power and brand recognition would be too much for the CFL to handle.  

Toronto and the NFL: A History of Near Misses

Toronto has a history of almost, but not quite, landing an NFL team. In the 1970s, there were efforts to bring a team to the city, but they didn’t pan out . More recently, a group led by Jon Bon Jovi tried to buy the Buffalo Bills. They aimed to move them to Toronto. However, that bid failed too .  

One major roadblock has been the lack of a suitable stadium. NFL stadiums usually hold at least 60,000 fans. Toronto’s Rogers Centre only has a capacity of 45,000 to 55,000 for football. The recent renovations to the Rogers Centre (its still the SkyDome to me!) have made it impossible for a potential NFL team to play there. This lack of infrastructure has been a major hurdle in the past. Another factor is the NFL’s desire to keep the Bills in Buffalo, which has a strong Canadian fanbase .  

The NFL’s Current Engagement in Canada

While a permanent franchise in Toronto remains a question mark, the NFL is already actively engaging with Canadian fans. The NFL Fan of the Year contest celebrates passionate fans across the country . NFL Canada also hosts “The Huddle” events. These viewing parties occur in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. Fans can watch games together, win prizes, and even see the Vince Lombardi Trophy . These initiatives show the NFL’s commitment to building its presence in the Canadian market.  

Weighing the Pros and Cons

An NFL team in Toronto would be significant. It offers both upsides and downsides for the city and its people.

Benefit/Drawback	Description	Impact on Toronto	Impact on CFL
Economic Impact	Increased tourism, job creation, and revenue for local businesses.	Positive – Boost to the local economy.	Potentially negative – Competition for sponsors and revenue.
Sports and Entertainment	Adds another major sports franchise to the city.	Positive – Enhances Toronto’s reputation as a sports and entertainment hub.	Potentially negative – Could overshadow the CFL.
Community Building	Creates a sense of community and civic pride.	Positive – Brings people together to support their local team.	Potentially negative – Could divide fans and weaken support for the CFL.
Rivalry with Buffalo	Potential for an intense rivalry with the Buffalo Bills.	Positive – Adds excitement and interest to the NFL landscape.	Potentially negative – Could further draw fans away from the CFL.
Corporate Partnerships	Opportunities for partnerships with large corporations in Toronto and across Canada.	Positive – Boosts the city’s business profile and attracts investment.	Potentially negative – Could lead to a loss of sponsors for the CFL.
Cost of Stadium	Building a new NFL-compatible stadium would be expensive.	Negative – Could require public funding and strain city resources.	N/A
Impact on CFL	Could threaten the viability of the CFL, particularly the Argonauts.	Negative – Could lead to the loss of a beloved Canadian institution.	Negative – Could weaken the league financially and competitively.
Traffic and Congestion	NFL games could worsen traffic on game days.	Negative – Could inconvenience residents and strain infrastructure.	N/A

Can the CFL Adapt and Thrive?

Even with an NFL team in Toronto, the CFL might find ways to survive and even prosper. Here are some potential strategies:

• Embrace its Uniqueness: The CFL has a distinct identity with its own set of rules and traditions. By emphasizing these differences, the CFL can appeal to fans who appreciate its unique brand of football.
• Focus on Regional Appeal: The CFL has strong roots in many Canadian cities. By focusing on regional appeal, the CFL can build strong local fan bases. This will help maintain its relevance even in the face of NFL competition.
• Become a Developmental League: The CFL could position itself as a developmental league for the NFL. This would provide a pathway for players to reach the highest level of the sport. This could attract talented players and create a mutually beneficial relationship between the two leagues.

The Final Score: What’s Next?

An NFL franchise in Toronto is a complex issue with potential game-changing consequences. Toronto has a lot to offer the NFL. However, there are hurdles to overcome. These include the need for a new stadium and the potential impact on the CFL.

The decision ultimately rests on many factors. These include the NFL’s willingness to invest, the availability of funding for a stadium, and the CFL’s ability to adapt. The future is uncertain. However, the possibility of an NFL team in Toronto will continue to be a hot topic for years to come.