Last month the football world was rocked by the news that the CFL and XFL were discussing a possible partnership. Since then, the talks about talking seemed to have shifted to a possible merger. Many fans on both sides of the border have been curious how these conversations came about.
Well, just now via the Rod Peterson Show, it seems that Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) may be the culprits.
"He goes, 'if anybody's mad or if you want to know who's behind it, it's MLSE'"
More information about the CFL/XFL merger, collaboration talks have been passed on from a source and it's basically what @TSNDaveNaylor's been dropping: it's MLSE behind it ⬇️😮 pic.twitter.com/ci0ieSN84z
— The Rod Pedersen Show (@RodPedersenShow) April 6, 2021
Peterson announced on the air that one of his sources, which he states is as good as they come, has matched the sentiments of TSN’s Dave Naylor. Those being that MLSE is the main reason behind the talks between the two leagues. Many know that MLSE is expected to help shape the CFL and build the league, so it comes as no surprise that this is one of the potential outcomes.
Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd. (MLSE) is a professional sports and commercial real estate company based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. With assets that include franchises in four of the six major professional sports leagues in the United States and Canada, it is the largest sports and entertainment company in Canada, and one of the largest in North America.
The primary holdings of the company are its major sports franchises, the Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL), Toronto Raptors (NBA), Toronto Argonauts (CFL), and Toronto FC (MLS), as well as their minor league farm teams, the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League (AHL), Raptors 905 of the NBA G League and Toronto FC II of the USL League One, respectively.
With the XFL season on hold until talks are complete, there are going to be a lot of new eyes on the CFL this season. In fact, the CFL has seen a surge in social media engagement since the news was made official last month.
This is by no means huge news, but it is noteworthy as we continue to look for answers from either of the leagues. With so many questions out there, it’s always good to start getting some answers.
With the XFL out of action this year (and possibly next year), will you be tuning into the 2021 CFL season? Let us know down in the comments below or join the conversation on Discord.
