Writing under the header, "Despite All The Hype, CFL
Concerned About The Future," Marty York of the Toronto GLOBE
& MAIL examines the league and adds: "If you didn't know
better, you might think the Canadian Football League is
flourishing. ... Here's the truth, though: CFL
administrators are downright nervous." More York: "In
reality, the improvements in attendance and TV ratings are
nowhere near overwhelming, and league officials are more
than a trifle worried about the future." CFL COO Jeff
Giles, who "warned" CFL governors "that they must change
their ways of thinking": "We can't stick with eight teams,
that's for sure. We have to grow. If we stand still, we'll
go backwards." Giles "suggested" that the CFL "begin to
think of partnership possibilities" with the AFL and other
leagues. Giles: "We have to consider opportunities and
threats. Expansion for us is essential, and our objective
is to have 10 teams in the league by 2001." Giles adds that
CFL governors "have to re-evaluate their policies" on TV
blackouts. Giles, on corporate support: "We have to double
it, from [C]$4-million to [C]$8-million, within two years.
That'll be tough, but it's necessary. If we can't do it,
we'll be in trouble" (Toronto GLOBE & MAIL, 8/24).
