OneSoccer has reached a carriage agreement with Rogers Communications following a lengthy regulatory dispute, the CRTC announced on October 30, 2026.
This resolution marks a pivotal moment for the streaming-first service, which has fought for broader distribution since its 2019 launch.
The deal represents a significant victory for domestic sports media equity, ensuring that local content reaches a wider audience through traditional cable infrastructure.
The path to the carriage agreement
The dispute between OneSoccer and Rogers Communications began in 2022 when the broadcaster refused to carry the channel. OneSoccer, owned by Timeless, Inc., subsequently filed a complaint with the CRTC alleging that the telecom giant provided an unfair advantage to its own sports services. Source: Northern Tribune.
In March 2023, the CRTC ruled that Rogers had conferred undue preference to its own properties by denying access to the soccer channel. Rogers challenged this decision, but the Federal Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal on May 11, 2026, labeling the company’s arguments as without merit.
The final carriage rate was determined through a process of final offer arbitration. While both companies submitted competing proposals, they ultimately agreed to accept the terms put forward by Rogers.
The specific financial terms of the carriage agreement remain confidential. This resolution concludes a four-year saga that saw intense public scrutiny and legal challenges regarding the channel’s ownership and domestic content value.
Outstanding issues in the distribution process
While the carriage rate is settled, the practical implementation of the channel on cable boxes remains incomplete. The current agreement does not define the launch date or the specific tier of service where the channel will reside.
A critical piece of the puzzle involves a separate application filed by Timeless regarding the proposed packaging of OneSoccer. The CRTC noted that the October 30, 2026, decision did not address this specific packaging concern.
Rogers previously questioned the market value of OneSoccer, arguing that it held limited appeal to the average Canadian consumer. The company specifically challenged the value of properties such as the Canadian Premier League and the Canadian Championship.
With the carriage rate now locked in, the focus shifts to how Rogers will integrate the channel into its existing lineup. Fans are waiting to see if the channel will be bundled in a sports package or offered as a standalone add-on.
Strategic impact on Canadian sports media
The inclusion of OneSoccer on major platforms like those operated by Rogers Communications is a vital step for the growth of domestic soccer. By reaching a broader audience, the channel can increase the visibility of the Canadian Premier League and national team matches.
This outcome serves as a precedent for smaller, independent broadcasters seeking access to large distribution networks. It reinforces the role of the CRTC in preventing dominant players from stifling competition through exclusionary tactics. Source: Media in Canada.
The fair counterpoint remains that Rogers had a legitimate business interest in vetting the economic viability of adding niche channels. For a large provider, the cost of carriage must align with the projected subscriber interest to justify the allocation of limited channel space.
Despite these concerns, the regulatory intervention ensures that Canadian sports properties are not marginalized by vertically integrated media companies. The long-term health of the sport relies on this type of accessibility to ensure fans can follow their teams without friction.
- Broadened reach for the Canadian Premier League and national teams.
- Regulatory validation of independent sports media rights.
- Increased competition within the Canadian sports broadcasting sector.
- Potential for future carriage negotiations to follow similar arbitration paths.
The Federal Court of Appeal dismissed Rogers’ appeal of the 2023 CRTC ruling on May 11, 2026, describing the company’s arguments as ‘without merit’.
Northern Tribune
Next steps for soccer fans
Viewers currently waiting for the channel to appear on their cable guides must continue to monitor official announcements from both Rogers and OneSoccer. No timeline for the technical rollout has been provided at this stage.
You should keep an eye on your monthly billing statements and channel lineup updates in the coming months. It is likely that the channel will be introduced as part of a sports-themed bundle rather than a basic package.
If you are a current subscriber to the streaming-only service, you may want to evaluate whether a cable-based package offers better value once pricing is released. The streaming service remains the primary way to access content until the cable launch is finalized.
Stay informed about the pending packaging application, as this will determine the final cost and accessibility of the channel for the average household. The resolution of this secondary dispute will be the final hurdle before the service is fully integrated.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will OneSoccer be available on Rogers?
There is no confirmed launch date yet. The parties have agreed on a carriage rate, but the rollout timeline and packaging details remain pending.
What happens to the streaming service?
The streaming-first service owned by Timeless, Inc. continues to operate as usual. The carriage deal is intended to supplement this service by adding traditional cable distribution.
Will this increase my cable bill?
Pricing for the channel has not been announced. Once the packaging is finalized, Rogers will disclose how the channel will be offered to its subscribers.
Related coverage on LaunchLen Media: How CRTC Regulatory Debt Stifles Canadian Telecom Investment and CRTC Outsourcing Canadian Content Tracking to US Firm Sparks Debate.
For official information, see the CRTC.
