Grey Area: CFL Mulls Signing Title Sponsor For Championship

The CFL BOG is expected to discuss during the three-day league meeting in Florida, which began yesterday, the possibility of signing a title sponsor for the Grey Cup, according to Allan Maki of the Toronto GLOBE & MAIL. Title rights could be sold for as much as C$10M. B.C. Lions GM & coach Wally Buono: “Anything we can do to generate revenue has to be looked at –- within reason. ... I don’t think it takes anything away from the Grey Cup and I don’t see them selling it for nothing. It would have to be a fairly substantial amount, and that would be good for the league” (Toronto GLOBE & MAIL, 1/19). Argonauts President Keith Pelley wants “a major Canadian company” as title sponsor, adding, “We won’t get involved if it’s not the right partner. We have to be aware of the special nature and sacredness of the Grey Cup.” Pelley added, “It would have to be a long-term deal. It would be a minimum of a 10-20 year deal” (TORONTO STAR, 1/19). CFL Commissioner Tom Wright: “We would do something if it was right for the league, right for the brand and right for our teams” (EDMONTON SUN, 1/19).