MLSE Partners with Buffalo Bills – Sports News
- A new partnership between teh Bills and Maple Leafs Sports & Entertainment sparks discussion about future games in Canada.
- The Buffalo Bills and Maple Leafs Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) announced a partnership focused on growing football in Canada.
- The Bills previously played a series of games in Toronto at Rogers Center between 2008 and 2013.
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Buffalo Bills explore Potential Return to Toronto for NFL Games
Table of Contents
A new partnership between teh Bills and Maple Leafs Sports & Entertainment sparks discussion about future games in Canada.
What Happened?
The Buffalo Bills and Maple Leafs Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) announced a partnership focused on growing football in Canada. During the announcement,Bills COO Pete Guelli expressed openness to the possibility of the Bills playing future regular-season games in Toronto. This surprised MLSE President Keith Pelley, who stated that such discussions hadn’t yet taken place, but acknowledged the positive trajectory of the partnership.
Background: Bills in Toronto (2008-2013)
The Bills previously played a series of games in Toronto at Rogers Center between 2008 and 2013. They hosted five regular-season and two pre-season games. However, the series was discontinued after attendance dwindled, with a game against the Atlanta Falcons in December 2013 drawing fewer than 40,000 fans despite a close contest (34-31 in overtime).
| Year | Games Played in Toronto | Attendance (Approximate) |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 1 | 50,000+ |
| 2009 | 1 | 50,000+ |
| 2010 | 1 | 50,000+ |
| 2011 | 1 | 50,000+ |
| 2012 | 1 | 50,000+ |
| 2013 | 2 | < 40,000 (Final Game) |
what Does This Meen?
The current partnership differs from the previous arrangement. The focus is now on grassroots development of the sport in Canada, and supporting the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football league (CFL). Guelli emphasized a desire to “erase the boundaries between the countries” and cultivate a new generation of football fans. While a return to Toronto for Bills games isn’t currently on the table, Guelli’s comments suggest it’s not entirely off the table for the future, contingent on the success of the broader partnership.
Who is Affected?
- Buffalo Bills: Potential to expand their fanbase and revenue streams.
- Toronto Argonauts: Benefit from increased exposure and potential collaboration with an NFL franchise.
- canadian Football Fans: Increased access to high-level football and potential for a more vibrant football culture.
- maple Leafs Sports & Entertainment: Prospect to diversify their sports portfolio and attract new audiences to BMO Field.
Timeline
- 2008-2013: Buffalo Bills play regular-season games in Toronto.
- December 1, 2013: Final Bills game in Toronto (vs. Atlanta Falcons).
- November 2023: Bills and MLSE announce partnership to grow football in Canada.
- Present: Focus on grassroots development and supporting the Toronto Argonauts.
- Future: Potential for future Bills games in Toronto remains open, but not actively planned.