Canadians Tried To Eliminate The NFL: The CFL's Crazy US Expansion

[@voidsabre_]

The fact that an American team won the Grey Cup more recently than a Canadian team won the Stanley Cup is my favorite sports fact

[@DiveInCanada]

Wild isn’t it? Let’s hope that changes soon.

[@FischerFan]

At least Canada still has teams in the NHL.

[@DiveInCanada]

And the NBA, and the MLB. We can still take some titles.

[@FischerFan]

@@DiveInCanada The NFL should let us in.

[@DiveInCanada]

That would be an interesting league. They would have to find a way to make the Canadian teams financially competitive with the American ones. Personally, I think that would be a hard sell to both fan bases. The rest of the team seems to agree with me.

[@CardsTricks42]

You didn't mention the best part about the Mad Dogs. They played at the Liberty Bowl which was hard to fit a CFL sized field on, so they essentially had a mostly natural grass field, surrounded by a bit of astroturf. Also, the endzones were extremely cut off and there was a wall like a foot behind them.

[@DiveInCanada]

Running full speed into the end zone must have been pretty scary. What a wacky expansion.

[@marcpower4167]

Technically, the field wasn't big enough, they found out mid-season the grounds crew mistakenly marked 33 inch yards so the endzones were in fact about 9 yards and the field about 92 yards. But the CFL allowed them to continue after discovering the mistake. So really at the Liberty bowl they were more or less playing Canadian rules Football on an American football field.

[@comedylmj]

Very fun video! I remember ESPN started putting CFL highlights on SportsCenter because of the US expansion, and a recurring gag was "the Baltimore your Name Here." (One small correction; the Machine played for two years in the WLAF.)

[@DiveInCanada]

Thanks! And thanks for the correction. We even put footage of the league mondiale on screen but something didn’t click in the script. The Baltimore name fight is worth a video on its own for how convoluted it got. Maybe it’s just canadian enough for us to visit one day.

[@jaytuff2212]

If I’m not mistaken… didn’t Baltimore win the Grey Cup and then the next year the franchise was eliminated?

[@marcboissonneault2654]

@@jaytuff2212 The Baltimore franchise was transfered to Montreal

[@rockvilleraven]

@@marcboissonneault2654 The rest of the US teams folded as the CFL pulled out of America. The Montreal franchise is treated as a reactivation of the Alloutees team of the past and doesn't use the Baltimore Stallions records.

[@rockvilleraven]

Baltimore was also called "The Horse With No Name" during that time they were nameless.

[@randyreese6413]

I remember seeing Sacramento Gold Miners merch being sold at the California mall I lived near. That’s when I first learned of the CFL. Now I’m a Stampeders fan - rodeo cowboy has gotta cheer for a team named after a rodeo! Always, ALWAYS love your stuff. I know it’s hard to keep doing this, but you’re doing a great job, and I look forward to every one of your videos.

[@DiveInCanada]

Thanks! Sounds like the CFLs expansion worked.

[@jaywatanabe4706]

Victoria is in my opinion due for a CFL team. I’d name them the “Victoria Islanders” just to piss off Long Island ;)

[@cflhighlights9370]

My favourite part about this era was all the blunders that teams made not knowing CFL rules, in the Posse's first preseason game the guy signalling a fair catch then having the ball bounce in the endzone and recovered for a touchdown, then in the same game him backing up into the endzone thinking he was giving up 1 but he gave up 2 instead, in a different game Shreveport acrobatically downing a punt at the 1 yrd line only to be penalized for No Yards...fun stuff like that. Also speaking of Shreveport breaking records...they are the only team in CFL history to score eight touchdowns in one game but have none of them as passing touchdowns.

[@DiveInCanada]

What a crazy stat. I’m betting Shreveport didn’t do that with intention. The expansion really wasn’t planned well but did that ever produce some funny stories.

[@henrymanzano2201]

I remember there were rumors of further American expansion,with bids from Milwaukee and Long Island,NY. There is a clause where Milwaukee isn't allowed to have professional football (it's what keeps the Packers alive,along with their popularity),so that ruled them out. The Long Island deal never materialized, unfortunately. I was excited at the prospect of us having a CFL team of our own on LI (also,it beat having to go all the way to New Jersey to see a game). I became an Alouettes fan,and still am to this day

[@DiveInCanada]

You must be pretty happy with the grey cup this year. There were lots of potential plans for the American expansion but once Baltimore went the distance, nationalism set in.

[@henrymanzano2201]

@@DiveInCanada Oh, yeah,I'm ecstatic,and happy for Montreal as a city,that they finally have a champion again (I'm also a Canadiens fan in hockey, believe it or not,but them winning a Stanley Cup is a pipe dream right now). The Als have had quite a few lean years,and I hope it's also an impetus for them to get a stadium of their own

[@Rockhound6165]

A friend of mine played for the Blue Bombers and won a Grey Cup with them. He now coaches Delaware State University.

[@WerewolfAtTheMovies]

Dude! This is one of your best…which is an incredible compliments. You knocked it outta the park like Barry Bonds in his prime!…without the ‘roids. Yes, I just used a baseball example for a video on football. 😎 Man, keep up the top notch work!!

[@DiveInCanada]

You mean Doug Flutie in his prime ;). Joking! Thanks man. Always happy to see people liking my stuff.

[@mikesweeney2872]

As an American, and part-time Canadian that almost always attends the Grey Cup, I really enjoyed the video. The Schooners expansion always seemed cursed, even if they do throw a banger of a kitchen party during the Cup Festival. Maybe if they went to Moncton and not Halifax, there might be a chance. As for where I'd love to see expansion : TIMMINS, ON!

[@DiveInCanada]

Thanks! We made this video for fans and newcomers alike. We would like to see any expansion. Doesn’t matter where. The Timmins miners have a good ring to it. Maybe they can play in that big open pit they have ;).

[@bradjames891]

When I was in 5th Grade (Manti, Utah), the Blue Jays were playing the Braves in the World Series. I was the only one in my class who wanted the Blue Jays to win because I liked their logo. The other kids would say their parents were really angry that a Canadian team could win the World Series. I am a reporter who "champions" the CFL. I tweet about it. I give it recognition.

[@DiveInCanada]

The CFL needs people like you. Keep the word good and spread it wide!

[@brianarbenz1329]

Maybe expansion should be to U.S. cities near the border, where people are more Canada-wise. Rochester or Syracuse, N.Y. Maybe Spokane, Washington.

[@DiveInCanada]

Not a bad idea at all.

[@cityhawk]

I’d rather go into major markets that have anti-NFL sentiment and don’t have an NFL or UFL franchise. So cities like San Diego and Oakland would be great places to start.

[@a-cell4564]

@@cityhawkbut then we’re looking at the travel costs that hampered their first attempts into the sun-belt

[@johncedro]

As northern U.S. options go, I live in Portland, Oregon, and our (now exclusively for association football) stadium would make a beautiful CFL venue. And Portland is quirky enough and counter-"American" culture enough that the Canadian game might be fun for enough fans to watch. (Of course, it's July 2024, and temperatures are reaching highs of 100F/38C.) We would need at least one more eastern team to keep Winnipeg in the West where they properly belong.

[@yannick245]

​@@cityhawkOakland really needs to catch a break/get a new pro team.

[@raymonddundys1497]

You missed something in the Baltimore Stallions move to Montreal. When Art Modell announced that he was moving his Browns to Baltimore in 1995, there was obviously the question as to where the Browns would play. The only venue available was Baltimore Memorial Stadium and it was leased to Jim Speros and his team the Baltimore Stallions. The Stallions did have a lease agreement with the city of Baltimore for Memorial stadium and Speros made mention of that in a news conference. However Speros had not paid a much as a dime for the lease in the 2 years the Stallions played in Baltimore. This made it easy for the city of Baltimore to terminate the lease and allow Art Modell to move the Browns to Baltimore. The only option Speros had was to pack up and move to Montreal.

[@RL.1]

This is truly incredible. My dad would love this video if he were still alive. Thank you.

[@DiveInCanada]

Your dad sounds like a classy guy. Thanks!

[@SheldonT.]

"Who won the 1995 Grey Cup"? is my new Bar Trivia Question. Can't wait to see their confused look when they google it. KInda like mine during this whole video. Odd Canadian Facts is what I love the most. Go Renegades!!

[@DiveInCanada]

It will stump 95% of people. I guarantee.

[@TheMrPeteChannel]

The USA won!

[@toastnjam7384]

Good one. Reminds me of a baseball trivia question I like to use that no one ever gets. What American League team played an entire season at Wrigley Field (not the White Sox)? The Los Angeles Angels. In their first year of 1961 they played at Los Angeles Wrigley Field which use to be the home field of the Chicago Cubs triple A team.

[@BobMossNanoTanks]

The #1 thing that has always hurt the CFL is the CFL itself. We force them to be "Canadian" when they should just be professional teams.

[@DiveInCanada]

That’s the argument: do we keep it the way it is and preserve its Canadian-ness, or do we let it compete with the nfl. Elder Trudeau thought it was going to be destroyed by big American football. Perhaps it’s something the CFL needs to revisit.

[@BobMossNanoTanks]

@@DiveInCanada IMO get rid of the outdated ratio rule and let the best players play. If they stop forcing 55% of the league to be a certain nationality, they might actually be thought of as legitimate. Outside of a couple of standouts, they end up being special teams players and back ups anyway.

[@DiveInCanada]

It’s a thought, and not a bad one. You just have to convince the “patriots” that keep the Americans out to change the rules. They think the legitimacy will be hurt by introducing Americans. I’d maybe write a nice succinct email to the commissioner of the CFL and see what bounces back.

[@BobMossNanoTanks]

@@DiveInCanada in my experience I would hear crickets. the league and teams don't actually like feedback from the grass roots fans.

[@DiveInCanada]

@@BobMossNanoTanks It's still good to try. I suggest doing it even though you think it doesn't make a difference. If you do it and 10,000 other people do it, then suddenly they have a direction.

[@dugger0]

Great video. American fan just getting into the CFL. Thanks!

[@DiveInCanada]

We’re glad you enjoyed. Welcome to the weird wacky world that is the CFL.

[@RickImus]

Fun fact: Due to a scheduling irregularity, the Toronto Argonauts and Birmingham Barracudas did not play each other. Also, another time the league almost folded was when Montreal couldn't play a playoff game at Olympic Stadium due to a U2 concert. They could've played in Ottawa, but chose to clean up McGill's stadium and the fans loved the downtown location.

[@DiveInCanada]

Those are really fun facts. They would have had to clean up McGill anyway since maybe it was worth all the hassle.

[@rileykazama3145]

As a Montreal alouettes fan in California hopefully a us team could work if a stable ownership can happen

[@DiveInCanada]

All Sacramento needed was an actual stadium and the gold miners could have worked.

[@henrymanzano2201]

Fellow Alouettes fan here,but based on NY. They just won! 😊👍

[@robserrano8971]

CFL ALL-TIME PASSING LEADERS PLAYED AT LA PUENTE HIGH SCHOOL IN CALIFORNIA, NO CAP.

[@DiveInCanada]

And that’s not the only record held by an American in the Canadian league.

[@akphotography9188]

Great video, as always. It would be crazy to do another team in Saskachewan. Could you imagine? They'd kill each other. Atlantic Cananda would be cool if it was a place that was easily accessible by car from multiple places. Like if you could get the same kind of fanbase that the Rough Riders have across the whole province.

[@DiveInCanada]

Thanks! It would be a massacre of saskatchewanites. They’re the most passionate fans in the league by far. I agree, that’s why I say Halifax. It’s single lane highways all over Atlantic Canada and Newfoundland would need a ferry. Halifax is best.

[@williamharris8367]

Speaking as a Maritimer (who does not care about football), Moncton is very probably going to be the site for the Atlantic Schooners, if they ever come into existence. It is much more centrally located than Halifax. It has been a major commercial centre since the days of railways. The issue with any location is the need to build a stadium on a greenfield site, and nobody wants to spend that much money. There are no existing venues that are large enough.

[@DiveInCanada]

Moncton would be a solid choice. If they learned anything from the American experiment, it’s to have a stadium ready. I’d love to see the schooners become a reality. We need a 10th team

[@jeffyaremko4530]

I always thought London Ontario could support a team, far enough away from Hamilton and Toronto not to draw from their respective bases. I still think we should keep the focus on keeping the active teams above water before any expansion is considered tho.

[@tirzahroseroot]

As a resident of Saskatchewan from a family of Rider fans, I can confirm that another team here would absolutely cause major bloodshed.

[@ianhilmer2673]

Okay, here’s whatcha do eh?:🏈🇨🇦. First, you add 3 more teams in Victoria, Quebec City, and Halifax. Than you spit the teams into 4 divisions with 3 team’s each. With this, you can get 8 teams into the playoffs with the first place teams per division clinching a playoff berth and the remaining 4 as wildcard spots.

[@DiveInCanada]

Not a bad idea!

[@SmittyMRE]

I had no clue, jeeez. This was a fantastic video! You always surprise me with some great information delivered exceptionally.

[@DiveInCanada]

Thanks! Hope you learned a lot. Now go watch some football!

[@SmittyMRE]

@@DiveInCanada ehhhh….haha. I’d rather spend 3 hours watching KZbin ;)

[@DiveInCanada]

That’s why dive in exists! Giving you that free content.

[@payotimeRamsYT]

Appreciate this video!! Thanks so much!! Very interesting!

[@DiveInCanada]

You are welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@supermarioharvey2174]

I believe that the main reason that the CFL’s expansion into the United States was a failure was because they were targeting cities that wanted NFL teams and those aside from Baltimore were in the south if they wanted to do it again they should go for cities closer to the border like Milwaukee Wisconsin, Portland Oregon, Boise Idaho, or even my hometown Fargo North Dakota where we have a stadium and a passionate fan base with NDSU in college football

[@DiveInCanada]

Nothing is off the table for a possible future expansion. Fargo has a lot of clout now thanks to the film and television show. Who knows what the future may hold.

[@danangell5482]

If anyone would put up the money, I think Fargo would make a fine choice. Portland's not going to work now that the Timbers are well established.

[@timcombs2730]

@@danangell5482I am a Portlander not a Portlandian. And I can tell you that there are many Portlanders who hate soccer and feel it’s forced on us

[@timcombs2730]

Would’ve loved to see a team in Portland. Not lost on me that the The rematch the greatest breakup ever play. It was an exhibition game played in Portland. It’s a sad depressing shit hole…but I do hope to live one day the entire continent to hear the words touchdown Portland

[@PCSPounder]

@@timcombs2730Forced… ha! Face it, University of Oregon kind of cornered the market for football. You’d need a different stadium for CFL anyway.

[@tincanstan]

The CFL USA expansion happened the same time I got interested in football. I always thought they did the expansion wrong and targetting the wrong cities in the USA. They should have looked at smaller markert cities like Providence, RI; Rochester, NY; Portland, OR; and Salt Lake City, UT. And I think if they were to start a second USA expansion, that's the route to take. Also, the CFL and Canadian government need to do away with protectionist rules. It is killing growth of the game.

[@DiveInCanada]

It was a very slapdash effort. I don’t think they actually thought this would stick, but it did save the league. Let’s hope any future expansions are fleshed out a bit more

[@ValleyProud916]

I was a season ticket owner for the Sacramento Gold Miners. It was fun!

[@DiveInCanada]

I bet it was! Football is football and more is never bad.

[@tadbushboybleeker8100]

Awesome

[@Mrkaycee7]

You did an incredible job presenting this video. Well done!

[@DiveInCanada]

We are so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching.

[@timcombs2730]

Portland Oregon was very close to getting a team. When the CFL experimented in US test markets with preseason exhibitions, on of them was in Portland. Rematch to the Greatest Grey Cup was an exhibition game in Portland in 1992 and was Doug Flutie’s first game as Stampeeder. NBA commissioner David Stern attended the game I think John Candy was there too. Do know Pro golfer Peter Jacobson was very close to buying a team for Portland.

[@DiveInCanada]

Portland could work. It’s an untapped market.

[@timcombs2730]

@@DiveInCanadaim a Portlander (it’s as bad as everyone say right now) I really do hope I live to see the day when the world hears the phrase “Touchdown Portland”

[@danangell5482]

If I ran the CFL: West Division: BC, Edmonton, Calgary, Saskatchewan, Winnipeg, Boise, Dakota (most likely Fargo) East Division: Toronto, Hamilton, Montreal, Ottawa, Quebec, Atlantic, Hartford I think CFL USA can work if they make the markets make sense. If the XFL hadn't returned, I'd have said to put a team in St. Louis and capitalize on anti-NFL sentiment the way the Stallions did in Baltimore, but the Battlehawks already beat the CFL to the punch.

[@DiveInCanada]

The wise man’s bet is to discount the XFL. Hopefully it won’t just be a flash in the pan again but don’t count those chickens.

[@danangell5482]

@@DiveInCanada I think the merger with the USFL will secure the Battlehawks' long-term future. The USFL seems on firm footing thanks to Fox and NBC's money, and St. Louis has firmly embraced the Battlehawks. But if they ever are without a league, the CFL should absolutely offer them a spot.

[@charlesballaro9766]

There's always Oakland. But where would they play?

[@michaeldorosh5047]

Filing this story under "don't remind us". !!!

[@DiveInCanada]

It’s a thing if the past! Let it never happen again. Also, condolences on no bomber three-peat.

[@robcav8747]

Quebec City is imo the only obvious choice for CFL expansion. Instant rival vs Montreal, expand CFL footprint with french speaking fans, and (unlike the multiple proposed Atlantic teams) they have both a stadium and strong potential ownership. After this nothing for a long time.

[@DiveInCanada]

That’s a great idea. Really hype up the battle of Quebec and get the fans into it. What about the name? Les Ramparts? Les Nordiques, perhaps?

[@Highlander-s5p]

The Nunavit Eskimos , they'll play in the Polar Palace stadium , The Halifax Salty Dogs , they'll play in Oak Island Treasure Stadium , first team to find the ball wins ...The Newfoundland Labradors , they'll play without a ball, the possibilities are endless

[@DiveInCanada]

Under your direction, the rules of Canadian football are going to become very interesting.

[@jefffunnell6205]

Lol good one

[@tybrown6934]

Longtime CFL fan from Mississippi. I remember when the Mad Dogs and the Barracudas came in. After the initial hype, attendance tanked once the college and high school seasons started and both teams lost millions overnight. Jimmy Buffett was almost a CFL owner when Las Vegas tried to move to Jackson but his ownership group lost interest and backed out. The CFL has had an increase in interest where I live in Mississippi this year because of Chad Kelly playing in Toronto. A lot of people on Facebook groups and message boards have been talking about him and cheering him and the Argos on, which is good for the CFL in a football insane place like Mississippi. On the expansion front, I think it’ll be Halifax by 2027 once they get a stadium built or enter an agreement with the soccer team there.

[@DiveInCanada]

We are glad to see the CFLs reach in the South worked! You've effectively doubled the football you watch which is never a bad thing. The Argos are 10 and 1 which is amazing. If they win the Grey Cup, we hope Kelly brings it back home. Halifax is the pick of the litter at the current stage of expansion talks. Nothing concrete yet but lots of buzz.

[@marcpower4167]

There's some talk of Quebec City in the future too but that'll be a tougher one to pull off the Alouettes currently own the rights to the entire province of Quebec.

[@DiveInCanada]

That’s nuts. No anti-trust laws can save that province from its own lunacy.

[@raymonddundys1497]

The real reason the Baltimore Stallions moved to Montreal is because the city of Baltimore terminated the lease agree they had with Jim Speros. Apparently Speros had not paid the city of Baltimore a dime in rent for the 2 years the Stallions played in Baltimore Memorial Stadium. When Modell came along and wanted to relocate the Browns to Baltimore the city council told Speros to go pound sand.

[@DiveInCanada]

Interesting. That tends to get glossed over by the whole ‘move’ thing.

[@banjoplayingbison2275]

I feel like the CFL could work in the US cities if they where near the border and they didn’t have a NFL team. Perhaps a team in Portland, Milwaukee, Hartford, or Columbus could work out

[@DiveInCanada]

All good choices. Some of those cities had/have hockey teams. Any place with a hockey team is a good pick. They would be familiar with Canadian cities.

[@cityhawk]

I’d go with cities that are starving for football with an anti-NFL sentiment. Places like San Diego and Oakland would thrive if they got a UFL or CFL franchise.

[@davidbuswa9425]

Moncton will be the next CFL team because Halifax has no interest in welcoming professional sport teams. My longshot pick is Chicago, with the Bears leaving Soldier Field for a new stadium in suburban Arlington Heights. The City of Chicago can support two types of Football, it did have two football teams and two baseball teams, so why not?

[@DiveInCanada]

I’m all for Moncton. Not sure if the CFL can handle another American expansion but we’ll see what management wants to do.

[@robserrano8971]

Chicago team playing at Soldier Field would be amazing.

[@michaelsummers154]

I had been an Edmonton fan for as long as I can remember, with the exception of the two years Sacramento played since I live 3 1/2 hours north of there. If the Canadian version of the game ever comes back to America, I would see it as a separate league, but one that would would with the CFL and have ZERO involvement with the NFL. THAT would be iron clad. If the NFL has a problem with that, TOUGH! The Canadian game is WAY better, faster, more entertainment and the fans are always looking for an alternative. I love watching the CFL again... and thanks to CBS Sports Network carrying games, you never know what could happen. The NFL brass forgot the fans, the CFL hasn't despite adversity. But as the old saying goes, "Adversity introduces a man to himself."

[@DiveInCanada]

Adversity is opportunity if presented appropriately. From one Edmonton fan to another, let’s go green and gold!

[@treycherie6236]

I was born in Baltimore in 1995 and I take great pride in the fact that the Stallions won it all

[@donrickles845]

Does anyone have the background horns/trumpets towards the end? The song? I fucking love it

[@DiveInCanada]

Isn’t it great? We thought it was the perfect tune for the end. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYOXopyjrb9qgrssi=2lfPss_VwMAqpCAT That would be “hard times come again no more” by the Westerlies. Follow the link to it or check out the free KZbin audio library.

[@josephtemple1667]

Great video but I have to disagree with you about the Baltimore Colts name being a debacle. Speros knew exactly what he was doing when he chose that name; the city absolutely HATED the NFL and what better way to get the people on your side than to make it a David versus Goliath struggle against the NFL Death Star by reclaiming the Colts name. He knew that they would have to change their name but the amount of free publicity he got from it played a big role in the attendance numbers.

[@DiveInCanada]

Thanks! I don’t put it past Speros. He was a smart business man.

[@robserrano8971]

My longshots teams would be in Chicagoland hopefully at Soldier Feild and upstate New York in Albany or Rochester.

[@DiveInCanada]

A New York team would give a lot of legitimacy to an expansion. Chicago would be great too. The Ontario- Illinois rivalry would be excellent.

[@yemruk]

I seriously never knew any of this. But I'm just a bigger Dive In fan than Football.

[@DiveInCanada]

No you’re breathtaking. Wait, was that right?

[@aidanwotherspoon905]

Imean, the team that was smart enough to hire Canadians and CFL experience was the one to win

[@DiveInCanada]

When in Rome, right?

[@PatriotMapper]

I really hope we never reach a place where one of these leagues wipes out the other or the two merge. I like having NFL and CFL football to enjoy at different times of the year.

[@DiveInCanada]

The canadian government has so far stopped any mergers and I would suspect, unless the NFL gets really lucky, they will keep stopping any merger. The CFL has its own identity that is worth protecting. Keep up the good fight.

[@ZontarDow]

Honestly the best place to move into would have been New England due to the long cultural connection with eastern Canada

[@romanmarcus14]

As an American this is the weirdest thing I have ever heard.

[@DiveInCanada]

As a Canadian, it's a pretty typical thing for us to do on any given Sunday.

[@SmittyMRE]

I’m jealous of Greg’s last name, even if he fumbled that anthem. Edit: Oh Dennis, I just saw the name below him in the clip. Ahhh, well at least he made it right.

[@DiveInCanada]

It was weird researching him because of his stage name. He made it good in the end but was Vegas ever not prepared for Canada.

[@Zoyx]

Bring back the Duluth Eskimos! Maybe call them the Igloos, or something.

[@DiveInCanada]

If New Brunswick can’t get a team because it’s too small, Duluth is definitely too small. Lethbridge is more likely to get a CFL team.

[@Zoyx]

@@DiveInCanada The Duluth/Superior metro area population is nearly 300k. What is the biggest population center in New Brunswick?

[@DiveInCanada]

@@Zoyx about 117k around Fredericton but it wouldn't be just for New Brunswick. The Atlantic Schooners (The proposed team) would play for all 3 Maritime provinces (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and PEI). The combined total of all those provinces are around 1.8 million. That's the number that the CFL has been running with and they still are hesitant to expand. Trust us, we want to see more teams in the CFL but before they expand to a smaller market in the states, they need to sort out criteria and give us a 10th Canadian team. TL;DR Duluth isn't a bad choice, but it's a smaller market than the proposed amalgamated maritime team.

[@masonpyle5929]

As an American it’s rare to see a CFL game on TV.

[@DiveInCanada]

I bet. It isn’t as big of a league and the NFL has that market locked down.

[@DouglasEdward84]

CBS Sports Network has the rights this season and are showing 34 games. Though coverage unfortunately gets less as the season goes on, especially after the NFL starts.

[@GVogt-m9x]

Yes i remember when the cfl expanded to the states i even have An REL cfl sports card collection with all the american teams lol i alao have a memphis mad dogs jersey i bought in jersey city a chain store in canadian malls. It seems to me that some of the teams had pretty good success with attendence but matt dunigan who was a great qb in cfl who played college ball for louisianna teck and is still an analyst for cfl games on tsn said that they should have played their games on thursdays in the states because high school ball had fridays college had saturdays and nfl was mostly on sundays

[@DiveInCanada]

There were quite a lot of missteps by cfl management. Hopefully the next expansion is not as poorly rolled out.

[@TheMrPeteChannel]

Possible sights for a future CFL team. Augusta, Maine, Anchorage, Alaska, Duluth, Minnesota or Portland, Oregon. All are close or an hours flight ✈️ from Canada. All don't have NFL teams.

[@DiveInCanada]

And they should have a team if they have the money and fans. Let’s hope the CFL makes it happen!

[@46babaganoosh]

An hour flight to Anchorage.. HAHAHAHAHAHA... not even close! Every team would have to fly into Vancouver and then to Anchorage which is over a 3 hour flight on it's own... never mind getting to Vancouver.

[@georgeblangfordjr.1771]

I don't mind for another CFL US expansion, maybe this time they would getting right with coaches that coached CFL teams with good experience.

[@DiveInCanada]

There are talks about a second expansion and we hope it would be handled a bit better this time around. There is still the issue of nationalism involved in the league so perhaps expanding in Canada first would be a better choice.

[@3ggshe11s]

I don't watch football anymore, but when I did, I always preferred the CFL game to the NFL. We get all the best talent down here in the USA, but the Canadians have the more exciting game. I'll always stand by that. One of my favorite football memories was driving up to Vancouver to see a Lions-Argos game. I remember the CFL's U.S. expansion and was excited to see Baltimore win the Cup. I thought it portended great things for the CFL in the States. Then, of course, it all fell apart. As for predictions, I imagine a 10th team would most likely land in Halifax. If that ends up not being feasible, maybe London or Windsor? If the league ever attempts U.S. expansion again, I think it would make the most sense to focus on smaller markets in the northern USA that aren't likely to get attention from the NFL, XFL, or USFL. Portland and Boise would be good choices. Even Spokane would probably work; it's roughly the size of Regina, but even bigger when you count the surrounding metro area. Out east, maybe Columbus, Ohio, or Rochester, New York. Kind of glad the NFL never expanded into Canada, really. I'd hate to see the traditional Canadian game get overshadowed by the NFL. Fortunately, the NFL seems more interested in expanding into Europe and Mexico. Great video! Really enjoyed it. Thanks.

[@DiveInCanada]

Thanks for the compliment and the great bit of history!

[@blackdawg7361]

The Canadians are coming: Baltimore Stallions, Montreal Alouettes, Vancouver Lions, Edmonton Eskimos, Calgary Stampede, Toronto Argonauts, Saskatuwon Rough Riders, Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Hamilton Wildcats, Ottawa Red-Blacks, Miami Manatees, Sacramento Gold, Shreveport Pirates, San Antonio Texans, Las Vegas Posse, Memphis Mad Dogs, Birmingham Barracudas, Halifax Nationals...Eight League franchises are of American identities.

[@DiveInCanada]

True. That’s why we believe we need another canadian team before we expand into the states again.

[@captaind4308]

hmmmm you need to recheck your names for some teams there lmao

[@jibbjabb43]

The NFL's desire to go to Europe undercuts most expansion prospects stateside. While I don't know if they could afford it, the odds that San Antonio, Portland, Orlando, Birmingham, St Louis, or San Diego ever get an NFL team at this point is theoretically as low as NFL expansion in to Canada. And by the same sort of token, I do think NFL would find success in at least the 6 bigger Canadian metros.

[@DiveInCanada]

We think a European expansion would be disastrous. It’s a full market for sport and the travel alone would cost a fortune. The nfl is huge here even without teams. We agree with your assumption that the nfl would do great here, but the canadian government has been shown to be surprising nationalistic with their sport leagues

[@GVogt-m9x]

Also the cfl was televised on cbs sports network in 2023 but not the playoffs and grey cup game cbs will be televising cfl games again in 2024 although im not sure how many. Im sure they will be posted by cbs and online before the season starts

[@DiveInCanada]

We aren’t sure who broadcasts CFL games on American tv. It seems like they are mostly ambivalent towards our version of football.

[@payotimeRamsYT]

I would love a CFL team in Atlantic Canada!! 🇨🇦

[@jamesgoodman8868]

Expand to Columbus. Play in one of the soccer stadiums. Just a couple of hours south of Detroit.

[@DiveInCanada]

Not a bad choice. Any names come to mind?

[@chrisjones3752]

As an elks fan I would love to see an expansion for the Maritime provinces

[@DiveInCanada]

We are also Elks fans; Halifax is in need of a team badly.

[@mrmoose6619]

A few tidbits for you... take them as you will: When Art Modell tore the hearts out of many Browns fans like myself, he also killed the Stallions. The announcement was days before the Southern Division Finals which the Stallions won at The World's Largest Outdoor Insane Asylum. To this day, I rue him since he took away two of my favorite football clubs. As to the expansion, I don't think a 2nd Saskatchewan team would ever work. A significant portion of the gameday Riders fans travel from Saskatoon and the area down Highway 11 to Regina. Davidson is "The Mandatory Pit Stop" where you will see many of your fellow Riders fans stretching, getting a quick bite/drink, gas, or other important things. Rosetown has the water tower painted in Riders Green and has the R design like the S for the Riders. (Note: I have seen these all for myself in person). Sure, you might get some Saskatoon people switching loyalties (I'll assume that's where you would put a 2nd Saskatchewan team), but not enough to sustain anything. It's not a similar mindset as Alberta where you can have two teams, 1 for each city (though yes, Saskatoon and Regina are about the same distance as Calgary and Edmonton). I would love to see a Quebec City team. Instant rivalry with Montreal. I remember reading once where a Canadiens vs. Nordiques alumni game got one of the biggest audiences in provincial history. If only they could get a football stadium there that would seat enough people. They have an arena for hockey, but I won't go there as I think we all know the situation there. Though much like Saskatchewan, Montreal has the claim to the entire province. Atlantic would be my second choice as that team has been teased for 40(!) years now. Thanks for a great video on a subject I enjoyed while it lasted.

[@DiveInCanada]

We like tidbits over here so we take them all in stride. The Browns trade was dirty pool and everyone could see that. It was a knee jerk reaction and I don't think it will ever turn from bad to good in the minds of the fans. Add to the Alberta comment that Calgary and Edmonton are two cities of over 1 million people, nearly a mil and a half now, while Regina and Saskatoon are a 3rd or quarter of that. It's a pipe dream. We'd love to see some intense Saskatchewan games but maybe one day. It was all spitball-ing from the person who wrote this one. Sidenote: Our narrator has really fond memories of Rosetown. Some of the best ribs and pizza in all of Saskatchewan. Quebec would be very neat but like you said, the CFL has been teasing the Schooners for years now. They should pull the trigger and just set it up in Halifax or Sydney or somewhere! Anywhere! Just give Atlantic Canada something local to cheer for. Thank you for watching and the great comment!

[@toastnjam7384]

Is college football as big in Canada as it is in the US?

[@DiveInCanada]

Not at all. College sport other than hockey is pretty much ignored up here.

[@alpearson9158]

@@DiveInCanada well there is a solid cadre of followers as evidenced in each years Panda game in Ottawa but beyond that not much push to create more.

[@DiveInCanada]

Same in Alberta with the golden bears, our pandas, and the Dinos. There are some passionate college fans but you nailed it, not a big push.

[@sirstewartwallace3917]

The owner of the Barracudas also was perhaps the worst owner of the Tampa Bay Lightning, abandoning the team after the rest of the owners realized how much of an idiot he was.

[@DiveInCanada]

That tracks. The owners they picked for the expansion teams were hit or miss… most of them missed.

[@KennethFord-y7c]

Long live the Baltimore CFL Colts !!!

[@DiveInCanada]

Baltimore was a true CFL city. They know their football.

[@miguelknox2105]

I've always LIKED Canadian Football despite the rules, language and style of play. Once you get over the field dimensions, extra player and unique rules interpretations, the game is pretty cool to me. Next expansion team, Nova Scotia.....

[@DiveInCanada]

Language? Do you only get the Alouette broadcasts on the East coast? The majority of games are broadcast in English and you seem pretty good at that language. Nova Scotia for sure. Halifax is a prime candidate.

[@weskeaton1]

Canadian football and American football didn’t come out of rugby. Canadian and American football are based on old English Football Association rules, which in English became what we call Soccer and in the US and Canada became different games. Rugby is actually a different ruleset of football that fell outside the FA and was used by a bunch of prep schools in England - the Rugby school being one of them.

[@DiveInCanada]

Rugby had a huge influence on North American football. It was called “rugby football” during the earlier years of the sports. Soccer also had a lot of influence, but if you put a cfl and an afl match side by side, you’ll see the similarities.

[@Alan-lv9rw]

I wonder how an NFL team in Toronto would do.

[@DiveInCanada]

Probably well. The NFL is huge in Canada. Personally, I’m a Packers fan.

[@DiveInCanada]

At 13:46 I know that label should say South and not East. Mistakes! Lambast me in the comments below.

[@jamesqualls8125]

Yes indeed, Baltimore won the Grey Cup in 1995. Take that Toronto Blue Jay's baseball team

[@DiveInCanada]

It still stings! ;P

[@Jefff72]

How about the CFL doing some preseason games in the US or at least in the north. Kind of like how the NFL started in Europe before the games they play now in the regular season. I'm not thinking for potential expansion but just to bring in revenue before the NFL & College kick off. I like to see the CFL bring in more revenue (Loonies & G. Washingtons) to increase the players pay. I know the pay will never reach the level of the NFL. It's not like the Bombers will get Justin Jefferson to leave the Vikings.

[@DiveInCanada]

Not a bad idea at all. That sort that out of country match has happened before. They usually do it when they are thinking about an expansion so keep your eyes peeled.

[@ShaneStruthers-ur3cu]

I feel like the CFL should add a team in anchorage

[@DiveInCanada]

Alaska could use a pro team.

[@IlluminovaNibiru]

I wish they would have succeeded!

[@DiveInCanada]

I wish it would have as well. Sadly, the American fans didn’t want to support canadian football.

[@KGV1374]

BC and Saskatchewan could definitely support another team. You could have a team in Victoria, the islanders versus the mainlanders, or Kamloops, the snobby BC coast versus the interior BC stoners. Saskatoon and Regina would have a great natural rivalry, though I think loyalties would also be split between diehard Riders fans and supporters of the new club. Other potential cities would be Quebec City, a team in the GTA and of course one in the Maritimes, either Halifax or Moncton. If they were to go south of the border again, I think it would benefit them to stick to the Northern States and places that could never dream of hosting a NFL franchise. Places like Portland, Spokane, Missoula and Boise, just to name a few. I would love to see a merger between the CFL and supposedly merging USFL & XFL, though that is unlikely to happen. A partnership with the ELF would also be cool and more plausible, since they both play a fall schedule.

[@DiveInCanada]

Your description of Vancouverites vs Rocky Mountain British Columbians is spot on. We’d like to see a second team there or Saskatchewan but sounds like that’s not the first place they are looking. We were also shocked to find that the alouettes have a monopoly in Quebec. That’s just a garbage idea but someone at the CFL must know why that’s a thing. Northern states are cool with us. Some smaller Michigan markets would be nice to add to your list. Mergers are tricky. unless the xfl changes up its rule set, we don’t see a merger happening

[@Jimbo-wx9pu]

Is it true the schooners have been agreed on just ironing out the kinks? I live in the uk and of course grew up watching nfl but my dad always put on any sport which was on and one fateful day the cfl was on and I’ve loved it ever since plus being a Baltimore ravens fan I found the whole stallions thing quite interesting. I also prefer rugby overall so I find the more fluid play of the cfl more fun to watch.

[@DiveInCanada]

Rugby has a flow to it. I like how fast paced rugby is but the cfl has it charm. From what I can find, the schooners franchise isn’t confirmed but there has been some movement in making them official. There are kinks to iron out (who will host, how the provinces will share the team, etc) but nothing official has come out other than interest.

[@davidg1612]

3:42 The NFL-AFL merger actually happened in 1970, not 1966. The first 4 Super Bowls, first one played in 1966 which you did get right, were matchups between the NFL and AFL champions. Also, I thought the CFL officially formed in 1957 between those two rugby unions.

[@DiveInCanada]

We should have been a little more specific: the afl-nfl merger was agreed upon in 1966. US congress got in the way citing possible anti trust issues. The whole ordeal was cut for brevity. But yes, they finally got the go ahead and merged the two leagues fully in 1970. 1958 was when the cfl got its official name; That’s the moment we stuck to as the official creation. As you said, before that it was just the two merged rugby unions without the CFL name. These two are the opposite side of the same coin. Why did we pick these specific positions: brevity.

[@thomasnenneau2487]

Expand to Atlantic Canada, but be ready to relocate if it doesn't do too well.

[@DiveInCanada]

Where is the back up? Quebec City? Maybe Windsor? Second team in BC?

[@gkkrieger8648]

I was there in 1994 when the bc loins beat baltimore.

[@DiveInCanada]

Quite the game. Right down the wire in that one.

[@mockbattles]

The CFL should have focused instead on expanding in Canada. A 10 or 12 team league instead of 9 would make huge difference. The Maritime provenances would be a natural place to start as it’s not represented at all yet Moncton has a stadium. But the Schooners are still on Pogey! 🍁🏈

[@DiveInCanada]

A great choice; There needs to be more teams for the league to prosper. If they stick to the nationalistic sentiment of the past, they will have to find only Canadian cities to host a team.

[@mockbattles]

NFL only find US cities to host teams and they do just fine.

[@dom2009]

Schooners!

[@DiveInCanada]

The schooners would be an excellent edition.

[@xaviersaavedra7442]

The Sacramento gold miners will return to take the grey cup. Mark my words

[@DiveInCanada]

We’ve marked down your prediction. It’s a long shot but not impossible.

[@robserrano8971]

My expansion teams: 🇨🇦 WEST VICTORIA VOYAGERS THUNDER BAY LAKERS 🇨🇦 EAST WINDSOR AVIATORS HALIFAX HIGHLANDERS ATLANTIC SCHOONERS (PEI) 🇺🇸 WEST PORTLAND XPLORERS CALIFORNIA CONDORS IDAHO ANTELOPES SALT LAKE CITY SWARM DAKOTA BIG HORNS 🇺🇸 EAST OMAHA MUSTANGS MILWAUKEE OTTERS LOUISVILLE STALLIONS VIRGINIA ARMADA HARTFORD NAVIGATORS

[@DiveInCanada]

That plan would really make the CFL compete with the NFL! I’m into it. Keep the dream alive!

[@robserrano8971]

12-18 teams by 2030 and 24-26 teams would be enough for CFL by 2040.

[@DiveInCanada]

Get a big tv deal into the states and make it a world wide phenomenon. I’m into that.

[@robserrano8971]

Streaming services can help grow the CFL too.

[@46babaganoosh]

Thunder Bay is Eastern Canada. Victoria couldn't support a team... look at Vancouver (much like Toronto) over a million people in and around the city and poor fan support.

[@IlluminovaNibiru]

That fish helmet lol

[@georgeblangfordjr.1771]

They should put a CFL 🏈 team in British Columbia's Capital City of Victoria,BC. That you would see two or three CFL teams in British Columbia like Abbotsford

[@DiveInCanada]

One of our team members agrees. BC can handle two teams easily! Change the BC Lions to the Vancouver Lions, then add the Victoria Royals or Victoria Hunters or something.

[@PCSPounder]

Victoria is kind of, um, Victorian. I mean that in a good way. Kelowna would be a smarter choice. There’s some space for a good stadium, anyway.

[@DiveInCanada]

@@PCSPounder If they build it, the CFL will come.

[@teto85]

Quebec City would be my choice for an expansion team. Sizeable fanbase, natural rivalry with the Als.

[@DiveInCanada]

That’s the latest news. You will probably be right. Let’s see what Atlantic Canada does this summer, but if they aren’t interested… CFL management isn’t going to wait forever.

[@pariswatkins626]

Windsor needs a team

[@WarAngel_TSUNAMI]

Bring the CFL to Oakland! We lost the Raiders!

[@DiveInCanada]

Hell yeah. Now that’s a market!

[@commander-cb]

cant work - we tried - buy every time there was a successful US team - NFL took it

[@Fatblue246]

I'm gonna be real, most Americans don't care one way or the other if a Canadian team does well in the leagues yall participate in with us. Quite frankly, the "beef", if you can even call it that, is really one way. We don't really think much about Canada in general on the whole, if anything the sentiment is usually more positive than negative towards yall over here. Cannot say it is the same the other way around though lol. Canadian's seem to have way more hang ups about the shared cultural aspects and cultural similarities of our two nations than us Americans do, and often have a far more negative connotation of the US than Americans do of Canada. There really isn't much American pride centered around our relationship with or our superiority/inferiority to Canada at all really, yall are just our neighbors. Probably stems from the differences in how our countries were formed and the identities/demographics they were formed around, just weird to see it continue on in the 21st century when both nations are quite far removed from these original demographics and identities at this point.

[@DiveInCanada]

There is a drive it separate us from Americans in terms of cultural identity and that’s about as far as the beef goes. We are very protective of our stuff because if we aren’t, our stuff tends to get over shadowed by American stuff. We understand this issue, but also don’t really. I don’t think many people up here care about cancon or how we protect our culture. It’s more of a government make work program.

[@IlluminovaNibiru]

London or Kitchener

[@JOBdOut]

Personally I still expect the cfl to shrink before it expands. 2020 nearly killed it dead. I mean for a while the league was called "Wendy's presents the CFL"

[@DiveInCanada]

Thank god for Dave’s square hamburgers or we wouldn’t have the grey cup! It very well could. Ottawa or Montreal could fold again. I’m really hoping it doesn’t.

[@BarrettSlimmer]

What about Great Britain the NFL has tested the waters and loyal Canada seems a more welcome choice,

[@DiveInCanada]

It comes down to a travel cost with any team off of the continent. They would be gladly welcome but the interest would have to make up for the expenses.

[@IlluminovaNibiru]

This Muzak is hilarious

[@geraldbeasley]

How about State Capital of Montana near Alberta , British Columbia & Manitoba . NFL never bring a team to Montana

[@DiveInCanada]

I’m sure the CFL has considered it. There needs to be a business man open to finding a team there.

[@GreenFlame2007]

CFL should have probably either taken Canadian out of the leagues name when playing in the US, or stayed in Canada-

[@DiveInCanada]

Just call it the other football league or what is the alternative?

[@FleshWound42]

I clearly remember the commissioner Larry Smith would not say the word "Canadian" ever during debates or interviews, it was always CFL with him, like he tried to rebadge the name.

[@DiveInCanada]

I wonder what the C stood for in his mind?

[@PCSPounder]

The ECHL used to be East Coast Hockey League, but since it had California teams and stretches out to Boise (and eventually Lake Tahoe), the letters don’t mean anything. Are you going to say they must? For all I care, call your league Frank… or Bob. It’d be more creative.

[@tadbushboybleeker8100]

A 2nd team in Toronto

[@DiveInCanada]

Down the road, that is a possibility, but for now, we are throwing our hats out to another team in BC, the Maritimes, or Quebec city.

[@tadbushboybleeker8100]

@@DiveInCanada Quebec is more likely

[@philoneussquire3877]

Would love to see teams in Halifax, Victoria, London, Quebec city eventually. Kitchener and Oshawa are big enough but probably too close to pre-existing teams. Halifax is the next logical addition. The obvious barrier is the lack of an appropriate stadium, and the question of funding is creating an impasse between local govt and CFL officials. Would not be surprised to see this drag out for years

[@DiveInCanada]

I’m sure the cfl would love to expand into Atlantic Canada. Even if it was a coalition of provinces that make up the bid and share the profits. You’re right, this will drag on forever until the right people get the right amount of money.

[@benmontjo]

A lot of talks about a new team in Quebec city

[@DiveInCanada]

Excellent. Any names tossed around yet? A Quebec-Montreal rivalry will really spice things up.

[@benmontjo]

@@DiveInCanada No idea about names. They will probably in the Rouge et Or stadium (20000 seats). Lot of talks also about Halifax

[@DiveInCanada]

Halifax has been on the league radar for years now. The maritime schooners were the next logical team to be added but Quebec City is a really good choice.

[@gkkrieger8648]

Victoria Kelowna bc or halifax should be the expansion

[@DiveInCanada]

Agreed. All solid candidates. We’re surprised Victoria hasn’t received a team already.

[@kylerose3174]

I currently live in Saskatchewan, and I can confidently say that 2 teams here would be 1 too many. I’d like to see: Halifax and Quebec City as Canadian expansion. And relocate the Argos to London or Kitchener and call them the Ontario Argos And in a dream world, Rochester, NY and Spokane, Washington as US expansion

[@DiveInCanada]

I know it’s a pipe dream to see a Regina/Saskatoon rivalry. Both Halifax and QC would be great choices! Quebec can handle two teams.

[@GVogt-m9x]

I remember a few years back there was talk of a cfl team in spokane

[@IlluminovaNibiru]

WR #99 lol 😂

[@teo_heel]

Awesome video. Didn't know much about the expansion... but this video explained everything. PS. I think that Canada shouldn't expand in US anymore. I like the Canadian Football as it is right now. Maybe they will expand into Maritimes and that's fine, but for now we have all the teams that created the league (even if Montreal and Ottawa are not the same franchise as it was in 1958) and that's very good. Every team has reach history of winning and losing in Grey Cups. And all teams has won at least 4 Grey Cups. But what CFL absolutely should do is to have more international coverage. Why not to try to have coverage in Russia? Especially right now, when no american league is on TV (MLB was the last to leave Russian TV after 2022 season). CFL was on Russian TV in late 2000s, why not to bring it back? Yes, that might be very controversial but I'm almost 100% sure that it would work, especially on the channel that used to broadcast CFL as they lost almost everything for obvious reasons. PS. If you didn't realize it yet, I'm from Russia and I prefer Canadian Football to American Football. There's something to CFL that NFL doesn't have. That crazy onside punts, no yards rule, rouges, bigger field and all that stuff... for me it's something so unique to Canada (that's why I don't want to see another expansion to US).

[@DiveInCanada]

Thanks! We tried to make it as comprehensive as possible. You have some interesting ideas. I know the over seas coverage has been tried before but maybe the landscape has changed?

[@teo_heel]

@@DiveInCanada Landscape has changed and I even e-mailed some channels about possibility of CFL broadcast and one channel (the one that broadcasted the CFL action before) said that it might be possible... so maybe... just maybe. I would be very happy for sure, I didn't understood much in late 2000s as I wasn't a big fan of gridiron at that time, but now things changed.