NBC Sports Network to Air 17 CFL Games including the Grey Cup

With the regular season starting next week, the Canadian Football League has put its stamp of approval of one half of its US television contract on which I reported earlier this week.

The CFL has announced that NBC Sports Network will carry 14 regular season games as well as three postseason contests which includes the Grey Cup, the league’s Championship Game on November 24. That is an increase from 9 games last season.

NBCSN’s schedule will include the season opener on Thursday, June 27 between Montreal and Winnipeg at 9 p.m. ET. NBC Sports Network will pick up the TSN feed from Canada for the games.

Here’s the official announcement from the Canadian Football League.

CFLNBC Sports Network to Showcase CFL in 2013

TORONTO — The Canadian Football League will be showcased this season on U.S. television with 14 regular-season games, the Eastern and Western Final, and the Grey Cup championship game on NBC Sports Network, the CFL announced today.

“We’re very pleased to partner again this year with NBC Sports Network to deliver our high-scoring and exciting brand of football to our fans south of the border,” said Michael Copeland, President and Chief Operating Officer of the Canadian Football League.

“It’s important for our league and has a significant impact on player recruitment, and gives fans an opportunity to follow some of their former favourite collegiate players.”

NBC Sports Network will kick off its CFL broadcast schedule with the opening game of the 2013 CFL season, featuring the Winnipeg Blue Bombers hosting the Montreal Alouettes in their brand new stadium, Investors Group Field. It will follow the league right up to Grey Cup Sunday, which will take place this year in Regina, Saskatchewan on Sunday, November 24.

“We are excited to be partnering again with the CFL, and to present its fast-paced and tradition-rich brand of football on NBC Sports Network,” said Mike Perman, Vice President, Programming, NBC Sports Group.

All CFL games are broadcast in Canada on TSN, with additional games available in French on RDS and RDS2.

“We’re looking forward to a very exciting season, and welcome our many American friends along for what will be a great ride,” Copeland said.

Here is the full NBC Sports Network CFL Schedule: (All times ET)

NBC Sports Network Broadcast Information
Regular Season
Date Time Away Home
Thursday, June 27 9:00pm ET Montreal Winnipeg
Tuesday, June 30 7:30pm ET BC Toronto
Friday, August 2 9:00pm ET Hamilton Edmonton
Monday, August 5 7:00pm ET Winnipeg BC
Friday, August 9 9:00pm ET Saskatchewan Calgary
Thursday, August 22 7:30pm ET BC Montreal
Monday, September 2 5:00pm ET Edmonton Calgary
Tuesday, September 3 7:30pm ET Montreal Toronto
Friday, September 6 9:00pm ET Calgary Edmonton
Friday, September 27 10:30pm ET BC Winnipeg
Monday, October 14 12am ET (10/16) Toronto Hamilton
Friday, October 18 12am ET (10/19) Calgary Edmonton
Thursday, October 24 7:30pm ET Winnipeg Toronto
Friday, November 1 12am ET (11/2) Montreal Toronto
Playoffs
Sunday, November 17 TBD (11pm ET) Eastern Final 1 Eastern Final 2
Sunday, November 17 TBD 12am ET (11/19) Western Final 1 Western Final 2
101st Grey Cup
Sunday, November 24 6:30pm ET Grey Cup 1 Grey Cup 2

As far as ESPN2 is concerned, their deal has not been finalized at this time. Expect an official announcement on its half of the CFL schedule sometime next week.

About Ken Fang

Ken has been covering the sports media in earnest at his own site, Fang's Bites since May 2007 and at Awful Announcing since March 2013. He provides a unique perspective having been an award-winning radio news reporter in Providence and having worked in local television. Fang celebrates the three Boston Red Sox World Championships in the 21st Century, but continues to be a long-suffering Cleveland Browns fan.

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