The Canadian Football League officially announced that TSN President Stewart Johnston as the 15th commissioner in league history on Wednesday.
“I am deeply humbled and profoundly honored by this incredible opportunity,” said Commissioner Johnston. “Long before I worked with TSN and RDS to broadcast the CFL, I was a fan. Growing up, I sat with family and friends, watching the legends of the game. I’ve loved working closely with this league, getting to know its stars, and being a part of the most unforgettable celebration in Canadian sports – Grey Cup Week. To think that I will present that iconic trophy to this year’s winners in Winnipeg this November is a dream come true.”
Johnston was born in Toronto and grew up in Ottawa. He graduated with a business degree from Queen’s University. Johnston began his tenure as an intern for TSN in 1997. Over the next two-and-a-half decades, he worked his way up the ranks before being promoted to Vice President of Programming in 2006 and was later named President in 2010.
Under his leadership, Bell Media became the sports landscape allowing viewers and listeners to watch and listen to games in English and French languages, audio, and digital platforms across Bell Media’s assets including CTV, Crave, TSN, RDS, Bell Media Studios, and iHeartRadio Canada.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Stewart as our next Commissioner,” said Scott Banda, Chair of the CFL Board of Governors. “What he has built at Bell Media is nothing short of remarkable. His in-depth familiarity with sports business in Canada and his lengthy history of success in the media industry and as an executive, made him the ideal candidate for Commissioner.”
Johnston’s goal for the CFL is to continue to honor the league’s past while setting the stage for the next generation of players and fans.
“It’s been wonderful to see how far the league has come, with special thanks to Randy’s stewardship,” added the new Commissioner. “But it’s the future that excites me. It’s what’s to come that inspires me. As we look ahead, our mission is clear: to grow the game of football, to enhance the entertainment experience for our fans, and to ensure the sustainability and success of our league for generations to come.”
Current CFL Commissioner Randy Ambroise will remain until April 23, 2025, and Johnston will take over the duties on April 24, 2025.
“On behalf of the Canadian football community, I’d like to extend our gratitude to Randy,” said Banda. “Over the past seven-and-a-half years, he laid an extremely solid foundation for our game and league. It is on that bedrock that we now entrust Stewart with the task of taking the CFL to new heights.”
