2024 CFL Preseason: TSN to Broadcast Only Two Games
TSN is set to broadcast just two CFL preseason games in 2024, reflecting the same reduced coverage that was implemented last year.
The announcement, made in the recent release of the broadcast schedule, marks a continuation of the trend away from the four games TSN used to air before the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In contrast, the 2021 and 2020 seasons saw no preseason games due to a shortened regular season and a canceled season, respectively.
This year, TSN will kick off its preseason coverage with a doubleheader on Friday, May 31.
The first game features the Montreal Alouettes visiting the Ottawa Redblacks at 7:00 p.m. ET, followed by the Edmonton Elks taking on the B.C. Lions at 10:00 p.m. ET.
This scheduling mirrors the logistical challenges faced by the league, as multiple games are set to occur simultaneously, making it impractical for TSN to cover the entire preseason slate.
Despite the limited television coverage, the CFL has sought to ensure that fans don’t miss out on preseason action. Last season, the league made all preseason games available for free streaming on CFL Preseason Live, utilizing in-stadium video feeds and local broadcasters for play-by-play and analysis.
However, it remains to be confirmed whether this streaming option will return for the 2024 preseason.
Once the preseason concludes, fans can look forward to extensive coverage of the regular season, with all 81 games televised by TSN.
This coverage will continue through the postseason, culminating in the Grey Cup scheduled for Sunday, November 17.
As the preseason begins off-air on Monday, May 20 with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers visiting the Saskatchewan Roughriders, CFL enthusiasts are gearing up for another exciting football season, albeit with limited live broadcast exposure during the early games.
The approach TSN and CFL are taking may be a sign of evolving sports broadcast strategies in response to changing viewer habits and technological advancements.