According to cfl.ca on Wednesday, Stewart Johnston of Toronto, Ontario has been named the new commissioner of the Canadian Football League. Johnston comes to the CFL after spending 28 years at TSN since 2010.
Johnston takes over from Randy Ambrosie of Winnipeg, Manitoba. In October, Ambrosie announced his intention to retire after having the role since 2017.
There are several issues facing the CFL at this time. It has been well documented that the CFL’s contract with TSN expires after the 2026 season. With Johnston having experience at TSN, one must wonder if TSN will now be given an advantage when it comes to negotiations. The current deal sees CFL receiving $50 million annually from TSN. With the National Hockey League agreeing to a contract this week with Rogers Sportsnet through to 2038, there is no doubt The Sports Network needs the CFL when it comes to programming.
Another issue Johnston is facing is around a new stadium in Calgary. There is no doubt that the Stampeders need a new facility as McMahon Stadium has been around since 1960. Many in the Calgary sports market believed the Stampeders deserved a new stadium before the Calgary Flames. It was also surprising that Calgary was awarded the 2026 Grey Cup, when newer stadiums could have been used.