I read a report last summer that indicated Canada was ripe for major league sports expansion over the next two decades.
The authors from the Economics Board of Canada looked at population growth in specific markets, an aging population, the strength of the Canadian dollar and income growth to predict which cities would be able to support big-league sports.
When finished, the conclusion was Canada could support 3 new NHL teams, a Major League Baseball team in Montreal, an NBA franchise in Vancouver and as many as 3 new Major League Soccer teams.
The study also suggests that by the year 2035, another 7 cities could support Canadian Football League franchises.
Do you believe it ? I certainly don’t.
I can’t really speak for Major League Soccer, which in fairness, I have zero interest in. That’s not to say fans of the sport across Canada couldn’t or wouldn’t support up to 3 new major League teams.
On the other fronts;
A baseball team in Montreal ? How did the last one make out there ?
An NBA team in Vancouver ? Sure, the Grizzlies were so successful there.
Seven new CFL franchises ? I like the CFL, but come on.
And finally 3 new NHL teams ? I guess that could fly since the 7 existing Canadian NHL teams are enjoying such a banner start to their season.
I’m sure the eggheads and economic geniuses that wrote this report have their data and stats correct, but I’m willing to bet the money they were they paid for this report we won’t see 15 new professional sports franchises in Canada in the next 20 years
I’m Fred Wallace