The simple answer is that no one entity owns the NFL. Perhaps the best way to describe who owns the league is that the 32 NFL teams own the league. Therefore, the NFL and its brand lie in the hands of the NFL franchise owners.
The National Football League (NFL), the premier professional American football league in the United States, has long held a fascination for Canadians. While the NFL doesn’t have any official franchises in Canada, the league has been actively expanding its international presence, including holding regular-season games in Toronto since 2008. This has led to questions about potential NFL ownership in Canada and the implications for the Canadian Football League (CFL), the country’s established professional football league.
NFL Expansion and Canadian Interest
The NFL’s international initiatives, such as the NFL International Series, have brought the league’s high-profile games and star players to new audiences worldwide. Canada, with its proximity to the US and strong football fan base, has been a key target market for this expansion. The Buffalo Bills’ annual regular-season games in Toronto have been particularly successful, attracting large crowds and generating significant revenue.
Ownership Considerations
While the NFL’s presence in Canada has grown, there are challenges to establishing a full-fledged NFL franchise in the country. The CFL, which has been in existence since 1883, has a deep-rooted history and a loyal fan base, making it unlikely that the NFL would simply replace the CFL. Additionally, logistical issues such as stadium availability and player recruitment would need to be addressed.
Potential Scenarios for NFL Ownership
Despite these challenges, there are several scenarios that could lead to NFL ownership in Canada. One possibility is that the NFL would purchase an existing CFL team, such as the Toronto Argonauts or the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, and relocate it to a larger market. Another option is that the NFL would create a new franchise in a Canadian city, potentially through expansion or relocation of an existing US team.
Implications for the CFL
The NFL’s potential ownership of a Canadian team would undoubtedly have a significant impact on the CFL. The CFL would face increased competition for fans, sponsors, and media attention. However, it could also benefit from the increased exposure and expertise brought by the NFL. Some have suggested that the two leagues could even merge or form a partnership.
The NFL’s ownership of a team in Canada remains a speculative topic, but the league’s expansion efforts and Canada’s strong football culture suggest that it is a possibility worth considering. The potential impact on the CFL and the Canadian football landscape would be significant, and it would be interesting to see how the two leagues navigate this situation in the future.
Overview of Public Universities in South Africa
Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.
University of Pretoria
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
- Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.
University of Cape Town
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
- Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.
Stellenbosch University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
- Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.
University of the Witwatersrand
- Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
- Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.
University of Johannesburg
- Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
- Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.
University of the Free State
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.
University of Venda
- Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
- Application Period: Usually from May to September.
University of Fort Hare
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
- Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.
University of the Western Cape
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
- Application Period: Generally from May to September.
North-West University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
- Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.
Rhodes University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
- Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.
Nelson Mandela University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
- Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.
University of Limpopo
- Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
- Application Period: From April to September.
University of Zululand
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
- Application Period: Usually between April and November.
Central University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
- Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.
Vaal University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
- Application Period: Typically from May to September.
Walter Sisulu University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
- Application Period: From April to September.
This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.