Canada Soccer and CSME Announce Transformational Rights Deal Ahead of 2026 World Cup

Toronto, ON – February 15, 2026 – Canada Soccer and Canadian Soccer Media and Entertainment (CSME), formerly known as Canadian Soccer Business, have announced a renewed and restructured commercial partnership poised to significantly boost the financial stability of the national governing body as it prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The agreement, effective January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2037, with a potential five-year extension, marks a shift towards a more equitable revenue-sharing model.

A Transformational Agreement

Canada Soccer CEO and General Secretary Kevin Blue described the deal as “transformational,” particularly with growing interest in the sport leading up to the World Cup hosted jointly with the United States and Mexico [TSN]. The new framework addresses years of criticism regarding how Canada Soccer monetized its assets.

Revenue Sharing and Financial Projections

Unlike the previous agreement, which relied on fixed annual payments, the renewed partnership is based on a revenue-sharing arrangement with guaranteed annual minimums. Both CSME and Canada Soccer will each retain 50 per cent of adjusted gross revenue for the first $10 million annually. Canada Soccer’s share increases by 1 per cent for each additional $1 million in gross revenue. Once gross revenue surpasses $22.5 million, Canada Soccer will receive 70 per cent of all remaining adjusted revenue [TSN].

Blue projects that Canada Soccer will earn “well over $100 million” in net revenue over the contract’s duration, with substantial growth expected in the middle and later years [CBC].

Expanded Mandate for CSME

The agreement expands CSME’s mandate to include Canada Soccer’s licensing activities, consolidating sponsorship, media, and licensing rights under one umbrella [Canada Soccer News]. This streamlined approach aims to foster commercial growth and investment in Canadian soccer.

Addressing Past Controversies

The previous rights deal with CSB was shrouded in secrecy and faced criticism from players and politicians who deemed it unfair and detrimental to the sport’s development [CBC]. The new agreement, released in full with minimal redactions, aims to address these concerns by aligning financial incentives between Canada Soccer and CSME.

Looking Ahead

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, this renewed partnership is expected to “open the floodgates” for commercial revenue and provide a solid financial foundation for the continued growth of soccer in Canada [Canada Soccer News]. The agreement signifies a new era of collaboration and shared success for Canada Soccer and its commercial partners.