The CRTC has ruled that Rogers gave undue preference to its own sports services by refusing to make specialty network OneSoccer available to its subscribers.
OneSoccer launched in 2019 as a streaming service, but began seeking distribution as a linear channel in 2021 when it was picked up by Telus, which remains the only BDU to distribute the channel. Among its broadcast rights are those for the Canadian Premier League, as well as matches involving the Canadian national teams.
Last summer, OneSoccer filed a complaint alleging that Rogers was giving undue preference to its own Sportsnet by refusing to carry OneSoccer. Rogers replied to the complaint by claiming OneSoccer, as a niche service, did not represent a large enough audience to be comparable to Sportsnet or present meaningful competition. OneSoccer countered this claim with the fact that it struck a deal with Rogers to air its broadcasts of World Cup matches and split ad revenue, on the condition OneSoccer branding be removed; this, OneSoccer claims, is evidence that Rogers views the service as a competitor.
In addition, OneSoccer claims that Rogers offering to make the streaming version of its channel available through Rogers set-top boxes also represented undue preference, as it would be treated differently from other sports services, such as not being included in sports-focused TV subscription packages.
The CRTC sided with OneSoccer, saying the channel had not been given the same opportunities as Sportsnet or even other independently owned sports channels, such as EuroWorld Sport. The CRTC also aligned with OneSoccer’s claim that not being carried by Rogers was harmful to Canadians.
“In the Commission’s view, it is unfortunate that soccer fans in Canada have very limited ways of watching Canadian soccer and soccer-related content on television,” the decision read, later stating that Rogers carrying OneSoccer would “enhance the diversity of voices and the plurality of ownership in sports programming services.”
Both parties have until April 11 to file proposals for remedies to the situation, with responses due by April 21.
