The Canadian Football League has said thanks but no thanks to The Spring League.
According to Postmedia reporter Dan Barnes, TSL chief executive officer Brian Woods sent CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie a proposal to host and share costs on a nine-week schedule in Memphis and Birmingham, starting in September.
“We won’t be considering their proposal at this time. We’re committed to a positive relationship with Brian Woods but our entire focus is on the CFL and its future,” Ambrosie said.
TSL began play in 2017 with a vision was to give players an opportunity to be seen against pro caliber talent and potentially earn a contract in the CFL or NFL. All teams utilize one central location, for both practices and games. The league’s unique format affords scouts and front office personnel an opportunity to evaluate players in a real football setting.
The Spring League consists of four teams with each team playing in two games over the course of a three-week season. Its 2020 season took place in Las Vegas, Nevada. TSL also hosts showcases in the summer and fall to provide additional opportunities for players to be evaluated.
Fifty one players from TSL have signed CFL contracts, but the 57-year-old Ambrosie is focused on finding solutions for playing football in 2020 on Canadian soil.