The Canadian Premier League yesterday named David Clanachan as its first commissioner and "revealed a target inaugural kick-off date" of April '19, according to Kurtis Larson of the TORONTO SUN. League organizers hope to "plant seeds in eight to 10 markets," with Clanachan planning to begin awarding franchises "by the end of next month." Hamilton and Winnipeg were "revealed as flagship franchises last May," and Halifax, Ottawa, Saskatoon and Calgary "appear to be in lead contention to join" them. Clanachan estimated that the investment from the league’s founders is "expected to approach" C$500M over 10 years. He "expects a six-month season sans playoffs." The unanswered question is "how the league will be received by Canadians, many of which already support MLS." Clanachan "tipped his hat to MLS, despite acknowledging it as a competitor." Clanachan: "I admire what they’ve done. The problem is it’s only three Canadian cities. They’ve made it very clear: The MLS is an American league." Additional challenges include "TV deals and rights." Clanachan "didn’t rule out entering the CPL’s inaugural season without a broadcast deal in place" (TORONTO SUN, 1/11).
