It should come as no surprise the CFL saw the best ratings for a semifinal weekend in three years.
Why?
Because the Roughriders haven’t been there in three years. 2014 was the last time the Riders made the postseason and the CFL ratings and engagement has suffered because of the lack of intrigue put forward by Canada’s Team.
Many around the league will find that term insulting but the Riders are Canada’s team. They have a large contingent of fans in every corner of Canada.
Already Dave Naylor of TSN reporting that the Toronto Argonauts will have their best home crowd of the season as ticket sales for the game increased dramatically after the Riders defeated the Redblacks in the east semifinal.
Hmmm… I wonder why that is.
The success of the CFL shouldn’t be something that’s driven by one team, a healthier league would be having all nine fans bases as engaged as Saskatchewan, but the reality is Saskatchewan drives the bus and the bus is heading in a positive direction.
TSN and the Argos are the latest benefactors.