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Welcome to another episode of the Influencers of Sponsorship Marketing, sponsored by Homestand Sports – authentically connecting iGaming
brands with sports fans wherever they are. For more, visit homestandsports.com.

Gavin loves talking to athletes. Especially the successful ones. And no, not in a creepy fan-boy way. When you spend time with elite athletes, you can’t help but notice what made them that way – their passion, tenacity, drive, competitiveness, work ethic, self-awareness.

Mike Morreale – former CFL star and current Commissioner of the CEBL – checks all those boxes.

He caught up just after Labour Day, 3 weeks after the culmination of the CEBL’s 2023 campaign – their most successful to date with expansion to 10 teams and a new broadcast deal with TSN. It was also a few days after the CFL Labour Day Classic between the Argos and Ticats. You see… Mike played (and starred) in his share of Labour Day Classics. He actually suited up for both his hometown Tiger-Cats AND their fierce rivals down the QEW. But this year, he had his feet up at home and enjoyed it on the tube.

Mike talks about his days in the CFL where he won 2 Grey Cups and numerous awards. How being a goalkeeper in soccer prepared him for a 12-year career as a receiver in the league. And how his CFL experiences (both as a player and with the CFLPA) set the foundation for his current role running Canada’s only professional basketball league.

He shines a light on Richard Petko and Ron Foxcroft – 2 men whose belief and support helped Mike build a successful second career.

He takes us into a week in the life of a pro sports commissioner.

On the corporate partnership front, Gavin and Mike discuss how he and his colleagues had to sell a vision to brands before the first basket was scored. And the partnerships that have been – and will be – so instrumental to the league’s success. Including a new one with Canadian data insights firm, StellarAlgo that will help the CEBL engage their fans and partners in a more strategic and effective way.

The episode wraps with great professional development advice centred around self- awareness and relationships.

You’ll leave informed and inspired. We hope you enjoy.

And for more episodes of the Influencers of Sponsorship Marketing, follow Gavin Roth on LinkedIn, visit Apple Podcasts, Spotify, SoundCloud… or check out rothrevenue.com.