Wright remains CFL commissioner
Tom Wright will stay on as commissioner of the Canadian Football League at least through the 2006 season.
He accepted a one-year contract extension on Tuesday after meeting with the league's board of governors in Toronto.
Wright's three-year deal, signed in November 2002, was set to expire following this year's Grey Cup game in British Columbia.
"I am pleased to announce my intent to continue as commissioner of the CFL," Wright said in a news release. "The league has progressed significantly over the past three years and I am proud of its performance.
"I applaud the performances of our organizations across the CFL. But we are by no means at the end of the journey."
A source requesting anonymity told the Canadian Press that three teams â Hamilton, Montreal and B.C. â were against offering Wright a two-year extension.
That said, while a one-year extension affords the CFL commissioner some financial security â Wright's current deal reportedly pays him $400,000 per season â he could face an uphill battle when looking to the board for support.
"We are delighted that the commissioner has made this decision," said Tom Robinson, chairman of the CFL's board of governors. "This league is in a much better position as a result of Tom's leadership. We have confidence in his plan."
Under Wright's watch, television ratings have reached an all-time high and CFL football has enjoyed a rebirth in cities such as Vancouver and Hamilton.
Wright, though, has drawn criticism for not doing enough to solve the ownership woes of the Ottawa Renegades before the sale of the team to Bernie and Lonie Glieberman in May.
The Renegades reportedly lost $10 million the previous three seasons. In May, some CFL owners made it clear they didn't want to renew Wright's contract.
After a heated 90-minute conference call, the board reportedly agreed to give him a one-year contract extension, but Wright apparently needed time to make a decision.
Previously, Wright stated publicly he would only remain as commissioner if he received the freedom from the board of governors to run the league as he sees fit.
In an interview with CBC Sports Online in June, Wright said a salary management system is crucial for all teams to remain competitive and that he'll work with everyone to make sure it's a reality next year.
"I believe very firmly and strongly that we need to have the right kind of salary management system that will look for the economics of our league," said Wright, whose pleasant demeanour has made him popular with fans across the league.
with files from Canadian Press