CFL Toronto Argos Owners Looking Into Move To BMO Field

Argonauts Co-Owners Looking For New Place For Team To Play

Toronto Argonauts co-Owners Howard Sokolowski and David Cynamon, "already examining the possibility of selling the CFL team, are now looking for a new place to play," according to Daniel Girard of the TORONTO STAR. A group representing Sokolowski and Cynamon last week "met for about 30 minutes with" Exhibition Place CEO Dianne Young "about moving to BMO Field," home to MLS Toronto FC (TFC). Young said, "We're just starting any conversation. I would say it's very preliminary." Exhibition Place "governs the Canadian National Exhibition grounds, including city-owned BMO Field." Even though BMO Field, which opened in '07 and seats about 20,000, is "too small to accommodate a Canadian football field," Young said that there is a "clause in its governance that talks about the possibility of the Argos moving in there one day." In order for the team to play at BMO Field, the CFL "would have to agree to the Argos playing on a shorter field," and the team "would also have to agree to the same 'terms and conditions' as TFC such as the share of revenues for parking and food and beverage as well as agreeing to access for public use" (TORONTO STAR, 11/27). The NATIONAL POST's Sean Fitz-Gerald reports CFL governors are "dispatching staff to study how the team could squeeze into BMO Field." The decision "did not include a vote on whether governors thought the move ... would be a good idea" (NATIONAL POST, 11/30). 

SOCCER LINES: MLSE Exec VP & COO Tom Anselmi, whose company owns TFC, said of a potential Argos move to BMO Field: "It's not our call and we have no ability to oppose it. But we know TFC fans don't like the idea and we're worried about the impact on a soccer specific facility. Our phones have been ringing off the hook and some season-ticket holders are threatening not to renew, that kind of thing. What we need to make sure is that the soccer experience isn't compromised in any way and that the grass isn't damaged in any way because we're investing $5[M] in natural turf" (GLOBE & MAIL, 11/28). Canadian Soccer Association General Secretary Peter Montopoli said, "We have serious concerns with the idea. It's the National Soccer Stadium -- the Argos had the opportunity to partner with us twice, and that time has passed." In Toronto, Gareth Wheeler writes soccer is "gaining legs in this nation," while the CFL "struggles to find its niche in Toronto." Soccer is a "more trendy sport with potential for larger growth and more profit" than the CFL (TORONTO SUN, 11/30). Also in Toronto, Steve Simmons wrote the Argos "would have to raise ticket prices significantly to make this work and how do you do that with the garbage they've been peddling lately as football entertainment?" (TORONTO SUN, 11/29).

Cohon Says Team Owners Can Own More Than One Franchise

CHANGE IN OWNERSHIP? In Toronto, Damien Cox noted CFL Commissioner Mark Cohon "didn't try to douse speculation that B.C. Lions owner David Braley, who loaned money to the Argo owners in previous years, might end up owning both clubs." Cohon: "Nothing in our constitution limits the number of teams an owner can own" (THESTAR.com, 11/28). In Vancouver, Cam Cole notes Braley "secretly fronted" Cynamon and Sokolowski "half the cost of buying the franchise out of bankruptcy in 2003 and, some say, continues to pay some of their bills." Cohon: "I think everyone here in this room would agree that ... the reason we're all here is because of a gentleman like David Braley and the many times he has reached into his pocket to save our franchises, and save this league" (VANCOUVER SUN, 11/28).

CANADIAN PRIDE: The STAR's Cox reported CFL CBA negotiations "could change the way in which Canadian-born players are employed and deployed." There has already been a "leak that indicated the import/non-import ratio may be in play, or at least the rules that essentially guarantee seven starting positions out of 24 to homebrew players." If Cohon is "perceived to be taking the Canadian player out of the CFL, it could severely undermine an administration that has done a nice job of improving incrementally over the past three years" (TORONTO STAR, 11/28). The GLOBE & MAIL's Stephen Brunt wrote the situation is a "true, hot-button issue, one that cuts right to the heart of the CFL's appeal for its most ardent supporters" (GLOBE & MAIL, 11/28). A TORONTO STAR editorial stated it is "disturbing to hear reports that the CFL is considering a move to reduce the number of Canadians in starting positions from seven to just four or five." To "ease concerns among the fans," the CFL "should announce that it is pulling the idea off the table" (TORONTO STAR, 11/29).