TSN president and Bell Media’s SVP of content and sales Stewart Johnston has been named the next commissioner of the Canadian Football League (CFL).

Johnston (pictured) will be the sports league’s 15th commissioner and succeeds Randy Ambrosie, who announced his intention to retire from the role last year. Ambrosie will continue to handle the day-to-day operations of the league until Johnston takes office on April 24.

Playback Daily reached out to Bell Media for comment on Johnston’s replacement. Although the company did not share details, in response, president Sean Cohan said, “we wish Stewart nothing but the best and look forward to continuing to collaborate with him as the league’s official broadcast partner.”

Johnston, the more than 25-year Bell Media veteran, was named for the role of president at TSN in 2010 before being appointed as president, Bell Media sales, marketing and TSN in 2017. Later, in 2024, the lifelong football fan was appointed as Bell Media’s SVP of content and sales. He will remain in his role at Bell Media until April 23, a spokesperson told Playback Daily.

“What [Johnston] has built at Bell Media is nothing short of remarkable,” said Scott Banda, chair of the CFL board of governors. “His in-depth familiarity with sports business in Canada and his lengthy history of success in the media industry and as an executive, made him the ideal candidate for Commissioner.”

Johnston’s departure follows Bell Media’s appointment on April 1 of former Snap exec Matt McGowan to the new role of SVP, business solutions.

Image courtesy of the Canadian Football League