New CFL partnership designed to build excitement, engagement with younger fans
CFL commissioner Jeffrey Orridge announced a new partnership with Whistle Sports Network - an entertaining digital-media sports venue and certified YouTube broadcaster - on Wednesday.
The partnership was devised as a way to potentially garner a connection between the millennial generation and the CFL.
The CFL will now share content and sale agreements with Whistle Sports, which has continuously provided their young demographic with amusing and humorous videos through each of their channels.
The Whistle Sports YouTube channel includes the highly entertaining "Dude Perfect", "Shot Science Basketball" and "Brodie Smith", among others.
Expected content will fall in-line with, for example, Hamilton Tiger-Cats wide receiver Andy Fantuz's record-breaking one-handed catch video, released yesterday. The video shows Fantuz snatching as many footballs as he can in one minute - with only one hand - ultimately breaking the world record previously held by New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.
Another example of content could be Mike Reilly's "Tire Toss" video, which was released 10 months ago by the CFL. The premise is basic - showcase the CFL's talented athletes in as many ways possible to get young fans engaged.
Orridge expressed his pleasure at the new tandem, and what it means for the future of the CFL.
"The unique partnership will highlight our league's tremendous athletes, the passion of our fans and the excitement of our game in new ways," he said. "This is a bold and transformative move in our efforts to expand the reach of the CFL to new audiences across all major platforms."
Whistle Sports executive vice president Brian Selander believes his audience will also embrace the new partnership.
"Our millennial audience wants to connect with and share sports content that's engaging and inspiring." Selander said. "The CFL knows how to deliver on that promise and is excited to be involved."
The partnership was signed one month before the 2015 CFL season begins, with the league likely hoping they can - with supplementing support from Whistle Sports - come out with a few more videos to get fans buzzing before opening kickoff.