The CFL is looking for the federal government to help out with its pending losses because of COVID-19 to the tune of $150 million.
That number may seem high, but let’s break down what a completely lost season would mean for the CFL, which has 81 regular-season games.
Let’s do a rough estimate of ticket sales across the league and say they equate to $1 million per game. That’s $81 million right there.
Add in food, merchandise, sponsorship and the lost revenue from the playoff and Grey Cup games and you’re starting to see losses increase likely well beyond $100 million.
Oh, and with no televised games, TSN won’t be cutting its cheque for more than $50 million a season either.
And ladies and gentlemen, there is your $150 million. And I’m sure these are all conservative estimates.
Without any federal help, the CFL may be on life support again if the season has to be cancelled. It’s in the same boat as many other businesses in need of financial support from the feds right now.