What reception for Péladeau in the circle of the CFL? (Translated)
Eric Leblanc rds.ca March 10, 2023
MONTREAL – To ensure the survival of the Montreal Alouettes, the CFL now wanted to find a local and well-off owner. This objective having been accomplished, it will be necessary to see how Pierre Karl Péladeau will fit into the circle of governors which is unknown in Quebec.
“When we started this process, the goal of the CFL was to find a local, passionate, strong and community-oriented owner. […] One thing we really liked was [Péladeau's] long-term commitment to the Alouettes,” said Ambrosie.
Always very positive, the commissioner assures that Péladeau was well received by his new counterparts. We assume that the rescue of the Alouettes is positive news, but that does not hide the fact that Péladeau is at the head of an empire that finds itself in competition with Bell Media, and thus TSN, which is a determining partner of the CFL. for so many years.
“What I respect a lot about our governors is that they are thoughtful leaders. They know we have owners who own rival businesses. But they rally for our common goal: the success of our circuit so that it grows. The focus was on that. Stronger Alouettes make the CFL stronger, which is good for all teams,” Ambrosie reacted after the press conference, stepping away from the tape he uses too often.
“I felt that they are professionals, passionate about the success of the CFL. A bit like the saying 'All for one and one for all' for the success of the CFL,” described Péladeau on the reception of the other owners.
Subsequently, Ambrosie added this clarification.
“I expect Bell, TSN and RDS to remain excellent partners. When I spoke to them, they understand what this transaction means: a stronger organization for the Alouettes. »
In front of the media,
Ambrosie claimed that about 10 to 15 groups had expressed an interest in the Alouettes when the process was triggered. A few minutes later, he clarified that the majority of the groups were from Quebec, some from outside the province and one from outside the country.
According to the information collected, this number was tightened without delay.
We know that another Quebec group, with very solid financial means, was in the picture at the start.
“But Pierre Karl expressed the most passionate interest from day one while wanting to work very quickly so that it happened quickly. Each group had the same chance to participate in the process and look at the data. Except that each entity worked at its own speed whereas Pierre Karl wanted to go quickly. We informed the other groups and encouraged them to do so,” Ambrosie said.
Initially, the previous owners (Gary Stern and the estate of Sid Spiegel) attempted to act on their own. This delay has delayed the Alouettes' efforts on the free agent market and it will be necessary to see whether the team will recover quickly from major losses, including those of Trevor Harris, Eugene Lewis and Adarius Pickett.
Moreover, Ambrosie preferred to avoid the subject when he was asked to explain why the former owners left the nest without explaining themselves to the supporters.
When will there be sports facilities for the Alouettes?
To ensure their sustainability, sports organizations, especially in a less wealthy circuit like the CFL, must own assets such as sports facilities such as a stadium or a training complex.
In 2023, it's rather sad that the Alouettes were not able to afford this. But, according to Ambrosie, nothing was required of Péladeau on this subject to complete the purchase of the team.
“We didn't discuss the specific elements of what they want to accomplish because we were focused on closing the deal. What I can say is that we were reassured by the passion and commitment. We realize that he and the leaders have to take time and we look forward to helping them in their projects. The governors said during a call 'If we can help you, let us know',” Ambrosie replied.
“I want all of our teams to have the resources they need. I am curious to see the changes that will occur and we will support them with our resources, ”he continued.
However, is this unacceptable for the CFL?
“Each team has a different context, we will support them as best we can. We want the best environment for players and employees,” noted the commissioner.
The first step remained to secure a return to McGill University in 2023, which has been done in recent weeks.
"To arrive at this transaction, Pierre Karl wanted the assurance of being able to continue the relationship with McGill and we were able to assure them that this arrangement was in place," said Ambrosie.
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