I've been talking "financials" the entire time - not development which I already acknowledged exist but the CSA deemed insufficient on its own to achieve all its objectives for the program as a whole
So how much does MLS contribute to US Soccer financially? How much does the EPL contribute to the FA? If CPL teams are having difficulty standing on their own two feet financially, how can we expect them to contribute financially to the CSA? The same goes for the CSA giving financial support to the CPL.
You’re still collapsing two different incentives into one...but whatever You’re framing this as if the CSA suddenly becomes a cheerleader for the CPL. That’s not the point. It’s about how the commercial model works now which makes both entities strategic partners. Their bottom lines being linked now financially incentivizes the CSA to actively participate in seeing CPL succeed. It's already happening with amendments made by the CSA to the Canadian Championship that were unpopular with the 3 MLS clubs. I'm repeating because now you're confusing commercial with operational - You're demonstrating that you don't fully understand how this deal works. Except, MLS did ended up making concessions after Montagliani's threat Check and compare the dates - Garber looks so happy after acting so swiftly https://www.sportingnews.com/us/mls...ayers-united-states/kuyrygyclobk1op4dwvbzoee7 But the rule change now will make any Canadian player domestic to U.S.-based sides provided he is a homegrown player who joined an MLS academy or CSA-approved youth club in the year prior to the year he turns 16 and that player’s first contract was with either an MLS or USL side. MLS added in its statement that it will work with the CSA to determine what teams fit the “approved youth club” designation and that a team does not need to be affiliated with an MLS team to qualify. Currently only nine players qualify. As a former season ticket holder for 2 out of the 3 clubs who used to watch all of the games from the 3 clubs - nope, I dislike the roster rules You disagreeing with those points doesn't mean that those expressing those concerns who are fans, aren't valid. Yes, MLS still appears on linear TV in Canada (TSN/RDS) but only because Apple sub-licenses a small package of games. It's Canadian journalists following the league who said that the Apple deal would impact their visibility in Canada - I'm just agreeing with them. Yes, the Apple TV deal is the most lucrative in American soccer history however just a reminder that Canada Soccer doesn't get a penny from this. Well, the calendar change starts in 2027. 6 weeks is IF they make the playoffs AND make it all the way to the MLS Finals. If not, you're looking at potentially up to 10 weeks assuming they do start mid July and not later. This matters in Montreal and Toronto, less so in Vancouver since Langley is far. I've been a Voyageurs for years and MOST are fans of both leagues. You're kidding yourself if you think they won't go to CPL games when MLS is on hiatus - they will since they don't have to pick one over the other. As for casual fans, 2025 was the first year the league was on TSN including playoffs. TSN were very satisfied with the ratings from the finals, same for CBC the years before. I guess we'll see how that translates post World Cup I get it, you love your club - that used to be me when I lived 10 minutes from the stadium. Ultimately, we should both want what's best for Canada Soccer and the entire program. You don't have to be a fan of CPL/CSME but it's a positive that this deal will make it sustainable long term. Wishing for CPL to crash is also wishing for Canada Soccer to go back to the dark ages that were the 2000s & 2010s - nobody wants that. You don't want to hear that, I respect it but doesn't change the facts that their financial situation are linked to one another until 2037.
My understanding is that MLS only contributed money to US Soccer during the SUM era. They paid US Soccer a guaranteed annual fee and MLS owners profited from SUM’s surplus.I think it's been over since 2022 for SUM/USSF This is like comparing apples to watermelons. They don't contribute to the FA's operating budget since it's mostly self-funded. However, EPL major financial contributions go to the EFL via parachute and solidarity payments and grassroots The deal is highly unusual but it does not include the CPL operations but its separate entity - CSME. It bundles multiple rights into one package, uses a complex revenue‑sharing formula, gives the league‑owned entity control over the rights below for nearly 20 years: CPL commercial rights Canadian National Team commercial rights (men’s + women’s) Canadian Championship commercial rights now cover licensing and merchandising for the first time All rights to Premier League Soccer Canada (PLSC - Tier 3 leagues) Payout formula to the CSA 50% of adjusted gross revenue for the first $10M each year Canada Soccer retains an additional 1% to its share for each additional $1M in gross revenue Once gross revenue reaches $22.5M, Canada Soccer keeps 70% of all remaining adjusted revenue beginning Jan 1, 2029 or CSME makes a payment to Canada Soccer of $19.5M (paid in two installments during the balance of the contract) CSME is free to use its share of revenue however it chooses, including reinvesting in the CPL to grow the league’s value. As the CPL becomes more successful, the overall value of the bundled commercial rights increases. Because the CSA’s payout is tied to that bundled value, a stronger CPL directly increases the amount of money the CSA stands to earn.
Onesoccer crew not optimistic about the future of the Vancouver Whitecaps beyond 2026 What does the future hold for the Vancouver Whitecaps? ✨Amid the looming prospect of relocation and dreams of a stadium of their own, it's time for #VWFC fans to stand up and demand more from government, @GarethWheeler offers 🤝 pic.twitter.com/EzwsQ7FlQ6— OneSoccer (@onesoccer) February 19, 2026
No, I'm holding you to account and not letting you obfuscate which you desperately want to do. And you framed it as a game changer because the CSA now has an incentive to make it work. I'm treating that claim with the seriousness that it deserves. You're repeating because you've got nothing else to say. Again, nobody is confused. We're just unmoved by unserious arguments. Not only are they wrong, but they're irrelevant too. The people expressing those "concerns" are mostly people with agendas. They have been thoroughly debunked.
No, MLS sold the linear rights to Fox/TSN/Univision. Except there are about 100 Voyageurs in existence. The 3 MLS teams sold over 1,000,000 tickets last year. The entire CPL sold less than half that. The two teams in Vancouver/Toronto sold 48,000. People have to know something exists and/or care about it in order to buy tickets to it. I don't wish for the CPL to crash. I have a reasonable view of what it is and what it's not.
Doesn't this represent a conflict of interest? Should the CSA not want ALL professional soccer to thrive in Canada, and in so doing help the national teams grow and improve? Complete shock that the broadcaster of the CPL has a more pessimistic view of MLS and its Canadian teams.
You haven't provided a counter argument once. You're lashing out at this with your feeling, no data, no analysis, no counter arguments so we'll have to agree to disagree. Apple holds the global rights. TSN only have limited simulcast windows negotiated within the Apple deal. This is very different from the old model where TSN/RDS each held their own rights packages. Feel free to say that I'm wrong. You're funny - and this is where I know you're full of it and obviously trolling. For the rest -whatever - agree to disagree
There’s no conflict.The CSA mandate is to grow Canadian soccer national teams, domestic leagues, domestic pathways - that's exactly what they are doing through this deal from grassroots to CPL MLS is an American league outside its jurisdiction with no say on anything related to the league, pathways etc. MLS clubs help the ecosystem but they’re not part of the CSA’s structure, so the CSA will focus on the leagues it actually governs. So does pretty much all of the MSM in Canada - at least they are doing a call out to fans to support the Whitecaps. Who produces the most content about the 3 MLS clubs outside of broadcasting? Onesoccer Where are the others? Covering the NHL.
My counter-argument has been that you're coping when you claim that this deal changes everything. It doesn't. My data is the entire existence of the CPL. They sold about 45% of the tickets than just the 3 Canadian MLS teams sold last year. Two teams have already folded. Another team has rebranded twice in 4 years. Another one is about to be sold (Pacific) to help pay off the debt of another (Vancouver). Just because you unleash a firehose of nonsense doesn't mean it's compelling or even rational. With pleasure. You're wrong. Apple holds global streaming rights. MLS always retained the ability to sell linear rights. Which they have done so in the many countries. I mean, am I? The idea that Voyageurs members are a serious constituency in this is a little crazy. The numbers are not on your side which is why you have to conjure up so many of our claims.
Adorable - The SG section has held thousands in their section for big NT games - but you wouldn't know that dear "new member" with 16 message under his belt who most likely isn't even Canadian. It was nice chatting with you No response from me going forward
If they move where will they relocate to? In Vegas they'll be renting a stadium. Same problem as in Vancouver. Phoenix has a small stadium that isn't suitable for MLS and will take 2+ years to upgrade it. Plus we haven't heard of potential buyers that are willing to buy that franchise and have it ready to play in 2027. San Jose is also up for sale and it includes a stadium plus training facilities. I see that as a better option than buying Vancouver and starting from scratch, IMO.
Toronto doing great financially, apparently. This is why the CPL can't compete with MLS in 2026. It'll be a long and windy road for CPL to get to MLS's level. Vancouver may not be spending this type of money, but have made some extremely astute signings over the last couple of years. Their stadium situation is a different and significant problem. Championship star to undergo medical ahead of shock record-breaking MLS transfer | talkSPORT Josh Sargent is set to undergo a medical at Toronto FC ahead of a record-breaking move from Norwich City, talkSPORT understands. The American has been granted permission to travel to Canada on Friday afternoon to finalise the move worth over £20million. The fee eclipses the £20m fee Los Angeles FC paid Tottenham for Heung-min Son in August 2025.
Ligue 1 and Serie A will never be able to "compete" EPL - yet their league can be successful domestically and their top clubs can compete in Champions League. Same for CPL - doesn't need to be "MLS level" As for TFC doing great financially, they aren't but MLSE is since they own the Blue Jays, Raptors, Maples Leafs and Argonauts. The issue is that Bell are selling their shares (37.5%) in MLSE and Rogers who already owns (37.5%) are expected to buy them. Rogers Communications have been the most hostile towards soccer in this country and they currently have a case at the CRTC due to flat out refusing to carry Onesoccer on their cable package. The court record even have them on record saying that soccer is "niche" and doesn't draw. Once they have the majority of the share - expect changes. They might own TFC but due to the Apple deal, they can't even broadcast the games on their own networks but their rival Bell does with TSN. Their crown jewel are the Blue Jays which is the only team in their portfolio who don't play in a salary cap league and they print them money. Expecting them in the future to make marquee signature for a property that has chronically lost money in a sport they have no interest in will be tough. Makes more sense for them to invest in an extra star pitcher or/and slugger. TFC might be downgraded to CF Montreal's level.
Well, they just broke the MLS incoming transfer record....................................... They can't be doing that badly. I'd say Sargent is an EVEN BETTER signing than Jozy Altidore and some of their recent Italian DP signings. He's entering his prime NOW; not on the way down. Toronto might be the surprise team of 2026 in MLS. I've liked a bunch of their moves this off-season. Walker Zimmerman is a high quality CB in the league. I also liked their move for Raheem Edwards this week. They have more than a dozen Canadian internationals. Vancouver, meanwhile, has like 6 Canadians. And I don't know how many of those actually play. Adekugbe will. In their CCC game this past week, Vancouver started five Americans. 5 capped USMNTers and USYNTer Tate Johnson. Montreal is my prediction for the wooden spoon in MLS this year. Worst team in the league. I don't really understand Montreal's plan. ..................but my predictions are sure to go horribly wrong anyway.
What do the Jays, Raptors and Leafs have to do with a completely different asset on their balance sheet? Toronto FC is worth an estimated $750m (+3.3%) and generated $74m (+5.7%) in revenue last season.
Rogers don't have the majority of the shares yet... Once they do, things are likely to change. As for Montreal and Vancouver - they operate in an financial environment where their revenues are in CAD and spending in USD + plus they travel more on average. As the league progress, the business model is becoming increasingly incompatible with their financial reality being based in Canada and that's a fact that won't change in the status quo. Competing in MLS requires to spend even more money due to the exchange rate, so that's a tough ask when the revenue doesn't match. Vancouver put up the club for sale, Montreal owner would rather put all his money in Serie A Bologna than CF Montreal in MLS. This leave us with TFC - which ownership structure under MLSE were absorbing the losses, but the clubs has lost money nonetheless. The question is now - will Rogers be interested in maintaining this level of spending when they could use that money to sign more players for the Blue Jays? People bring up how it works with the other cross-border leagues. NHL, NBA, MLB are the best leagues in the world - MLS isn't, not even within CONCACAF and Canadians know it. The media deals aren't comparable either so Canadian clubs are at a massive disadvantage compared to their US counterparts hence the cracks starting to show All that cash for Sargent??? That's insane... and he won't draw more nor make the club break even. This is the kind of spending that will stop under Rogers
It seems that TFC is making moves after finally getting rid of their DPs. I'm not sold on Jason Hernandez, although I wonder if Bill Manning was the one calling the shots before and Henandez was just left to deal with the fallout. Agreed on your other points. Montreal look terrible and Vancouver doesn't have much of a Canadian presence on the field. It's wild how good the Caps have been considering Ryan Gauld seems to be ruined and they don't miss him.
I’ll reply to each guy. With Laryea I mean, I think that’s just hater talk. Which I get. Richie has that effect on people. He’s going to the World Cup. He’s going to play. The way he’s playing right now he should start. He’s been our best player in the last 12 months. That includes guys in Serie A and La Liga. He’s been that good. Sofascore gave him our highest grade against Colombia and Ecuador and second-highest against Wales. He was great against Suriname, but he’s also been great against teams that are going to the World Cup. It was maybe 3 years ago, but there was a list of the most-fouled player from every top tier league that was tracked. Laryea was the most-fouled player on earth. And it wasn’t close. He led MLS three straight years. He looks for fouls, he embellishes contact. He also gets fouled legitimately more than almost any player anywhere. MLS refs may not ‘buy his shit’ but he still wins 3 or 4 free kicks every match because teams struggle to deal with him. He would have won a penalty in the first 30 seconds against Wales if there was VAR. He used to run a little hot and loose his composure. He is still feisty and combative (and a pain the ass), but he plays on the other side of the line now. He’s getting other people wound up. He almost single-handedly got Chile’s Gabriel Suazo red carded at the Copa America inside of half an hour (he drew 5 fouls in 65 minutes). He wound up Australia’s Irankunda to the point they had to sub him out. And beyond anything else, he’s a leader in this group. He plays with a lot of heart and has that fire that teams need. Re: Larin. I mean Cyle scored the opening goal in consecutive home World Cup qualifiers against Mexico, the U.S. and Jamaica. I’m not sure I’d say he’s never been scary. He’s never been flashy, but he’s had pretty good runs in a few leagues of putting the ball in the net. For me it comes down to club form, but also… if a ball falls to Larin, Jebbison or Russell-Rowe in the box in the 90th, who do you want with the ball? If it goes to penalties, which of those three would you have rather be able to turn to for PKs? Right now my answer is still Larin. I’m not sure he’d play much, but I still have him slightly in the 26. But there’s two windows, a lot of league games. I’m on the fence still. I don’t think Flores fits the way Marsch wants to play either. But Marsch seems keen to have him. I hate his defending. His link-up play isn’t bad and he has a pretty good shot on him. I am trying not to draw too many conclusions until I see him with Canada, but I have seen almost every match he's played in Liga MX this year. I do think he could be a late option against a bunkering defence if we need a goal. But I agree in general that he slows things down. Which is one of the reasons I’ve never been overly interested in Theo Corbeanu, who has some of the same qualities as Flores, but plays even slower.
Davies subbed off due to injury today: Gutted for Alphonso Davies, who was forced off the field with an apparent injury in the 50th minute today.Less than 4 months away from the World Cup, he is still working his way back to his previous level after his ACL tear.#CANMNT pic.twitter.com/CmRQ1SW1uh— herculez gomez (@herculezg) February 21, 2026