CFL expansion franchise to be announced for Ottawa

Date

Mar 24, 2008

OTTAWA - The Canadian Football League has apparently reached an agreement with an Ottawa group to bring a franchise back to the capital.

Commissioner Mark Cohon is to be in town today for the announcement. He is to be accompanied by the men behind the franchise bid, including Jeff Hunt, the owner of the Ontario Hockey League's Ottawa 67's, and developers Roger Greenberg, John Ruddy and Bill Shenkman.

Although the CFL has reached an agreement with the group, a deal still has to be worked out with the city over Frank Clair Stadium, which needs millions of dollars in improvements.

Any deal might be tied in with city plans to redevelop the whole of Lansdowne Park. Ottawa last had a franchise in the 2005 season.