November 5: Bell Media’s TSN and RDS have secured exclusive rights to Canada’s men’s and women’s national team matches in Concacaf competitions this November and December.
The men open with the first leg of their Nations League quarter-final against Guatemala at BMO Field in Toronto on November 16. The overall winner reaches the 2027 Nations League Finals in Los Angeles and qualifies for the 2027 Gold Cup.
The women begin their W Championship campaign against Panama on November 28, with places at the Brazil 2027 Women’s World Cup and the LA28 Olympics at stake.
TSN will broadcast all games with pre-study and halftime coverage, with broadcasts in French on RDS. All games will also be streamed on OneSoccer, owned by Canadian Soccer Media and Entertainment (CSME), the commercial arm of Canada Soccer.
“This window is a significant time for both of our national teams, with a spot in the Concacaf Nations League finals and qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup and LA28 Olympics at stake,” said Canada Soccer CEO Kevin Blue.
CSME Executive Director James Johnson said, “Growing soccer in Canada is about more than any individual tournament. It’s about generating sustained interest in the game and ensuring Canadians can follow their national teams as they compete on the international stage.”
Canada Soccer is trying to generate record interest after co-hosting the World Cup, as Jessie March’s team advanced to the qualifiers for the first time in its history, and five friendlies in September and October were also shown on OneSoccer, TSN and RDS.
The agreement follows a major change in the relationship between Canada Soccer and its commercial partner. Under the old deal, Canada Soccer Business paid the federation $3-4 million a year and used the rest to help fund the Canadian Premier League.
The new agreement, signed in February and valid until 2037, introduces income sharing supported by a guaranteed minimum, in addition to two lump sum payments. It also commits the CSME to wide dissemination and equal coverage of the men’s and women’s teams.
The terms are reviewed every three years based on market value, with a five-year extension option at the end.
Contact the writer of the story, Nick Webster, a (email protected)
