NBC Sports Network has announced a deal to televise 14 CFL games in '12, including the CFL semifinals and the 100th edition of the Grey Cup (NBC Sports). YAHOO SPORTS' Andrew Bucholtz noted the deal with NBCSN follows the CFL's "parting of ways with the NFL Network." Bucholtz wrote, "When the details are examined, it seems the deal was worth the wait." Getting "anywhere on television in the U.S. is positive for the CFL," but landing on NBCSN "is even better." It is "arguably the most successful multi-sport channel outside of the ESPN family." Having the Grey Cup "shown live on a reasonably-prominent network is huge for the CFL." This "could be a big step for the CFL in establishing its brand further south of the border" (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 7/20). In Toronto, Bob Mitchell noted the Grey Cup and playoffs "were shown last season on America ONE." The NFL Network "showed 38 CFL games last season but only a few were live" (TORONTO STAR, 7/20). In Edmonton, Chris O'Leary noted NBCSN "will carry nine CFL regular-season games this year, including six games involving the Edmonton Eskimos." Eskimos President & CEO Len Rhodes said, "(The deal) was for the league to get exposure south of the border and the fact that we got six out of nine, that's just remarkable" (EDMONTONJOURNAL.com, 7/20).
