Livingston went over many of the positives from the WFU’s partnership with the league in the first season. The biggest being the national TV revenue which the WFU was unable to secure themselves in recent years due to the NAAF’s rise. All teams also saw a rise in revenue with some ticket price increases and with many more casual fans being brought in by the NAAF’s reputation and brand. He also added that he, himself appreciated the increased competition within the league which certainly raised the bar for his team, however, he pointed out that the competition will only lead to the rest of the teams growing in interest. He finished his statement by suggesting that the WFU should explore a more permanent merger with the NAAF.
The rest of the owners nodded at the positives of their first season as temporary members of the NAAF. However, more hesitancy was shown by Edmonton Rangers’ owner, Norman Mackenzie. Mackenzie still was very attached to the league that his father had built and had his reservations about the league’s potential “demise”.
It would be Ed Morrissette, the Winnipeg Falcons owner, that stepped in next. Morrissette pointed out that in the last decade of the WFU’s existence, the league had not grown at all. The attendance was not growing, they could not get stronger TV coverage, and talent was harder to come by. During this time, the NAAF and ACFL only continued to grow in every way. In just one season under the NAAF umbrella, the WFU saw its first financial growth in a decade. A growth that cannot be ignored. Morrissette continued on with a final statement, “Sure, the WFU could take what they gained from the NAAF in a year, but they would essentially be throwing in the towel and giving up the teams’ biggest opportunity to grow. We could do that, but we are just putting ourselves at further risk of falling apart. I think we only have one choice. We have been floating out in the ocean with no help in sight for far too long. Right now we have one of the best, strongest and most trustworthy groups that can help us. We cannot turn away. We. Will. Drown.”
Morrissette’s words rang in the room. The silence was held for a few minutes before Norman Mackenzie spoke. “I think we have something to vote on.”
Morrissette nodded and took charge again. “All in favour of moving forward with a permanent merger proposal with the NAAF raise your right hand.”
Morrissette raised his hand.
Livingston raised his hand.
Calgary Tigers’ owner, Tyler McNeil, raised his hand.
The group turned towards the other two, Norman Mackenzie and Bill Kingsley (Regina Wheat Kings).
Kingsley raised his hand.
Mackenzie hesitated but then raised his hand.
A unanimous decision was made and the group started to put together a proper proposal to be presented at the NAAF’s meetings in Ottawa.
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