26 September 2024

BILI Expands Partnership with CFL Players’ Association, Now Including CFLPA Academy

For Immediate Release

Thursday, September 26, 2024

BILI Expands Partnership with CFL Players’ Association, Now Including CFLPA Academy

Toronto, Canada – BecauseILoveIt.com (BILI) today announces the expansion of its game-changing partnership with the Canadian Football League Players’ Association (CFLPA) to include the CFLPA Academy. The CFLPA Academy provides support to CFLPA members and their families to succeed in life both during and after their football careers. The Academy offers resources and programs in education, wellness, and employment. This move nearly triples BILI’s professional football creator community, adding 3,400 former players and their partners to its platform.

Building on the success of the original partnership, which empowers CFL players to monetize their social media presence, the inclusion of the CFLPA Academy now gives players even greater opportunities to connect with fans, promote brands, and build financial equity—all while preparing for life beyond the football field.

“This move triples our pro football community of creators and strengthens our position as a leader in social commerce,” said Adrian Capobianco, Co-Founder and CEO of BILI. “By integrating the CFLPA Academy, we’re not just expanding our reach—we’re empowering a new wave of athletes to turn their influence into lasting financial success. This addition of this partnership now offers our brand partners seamless access to nearly 15,000 amateur and pro athletes across North America.”

“The CFLPA Academy is dedicated to setting up our players for success after football,” added Peter Dyakowski, Interim Executive Director of the CFLPA. “Partnering with BILI enhances our mission by giving our players the tools to grow their personal brands and create new income streams.”

With this strategic expansion, BILI reinforces its position as a leader in social commerce, offering brands unparalleled access to a powerful network of athletes who are ready to drive brand engagement and revenue.

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Media Inquiries Contact:

Wendy Bairos, Communications Lead, BILI
wendy@becauseiloveit.com

Brendan Heisler, CFLPA Office
b.heisler@cflpa.com

About the CFLPA:
The Canadian Football League Players’ Association (CFLPA) is the union for professional football players in the Canadian Football League (CFL). Since 1965, the Association has worked to establish fair and reasonable working conditions while protecting the rights of all CFL players. In addition to negotiating and enforcing the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the CFLPA provides a variety of member services, builds corporate and community partnerships, and works diligently for the betterment of its membership. For the latest news regarding the CFLPA, please  visit http://www.cflpa.com or follow us on social media @CFLPA.

About BecauseILoveIt.com (BILI):
BecauseILoveIt.com (BILI) is a leading social commerce platform that empowers individuals to monetize their social media content. BILI connects creators with brands, enabling them to create personalized online stores and maximize their earning potential by leveraging their social media presence. Through BILI Boost, the platform also facilitates dynamic collaborations between creators and brands, allowing influencers to craft unique branded content and earn compensation for their creativity. BILI’s innovative approach ensures that creators can turn their passion into profit, while brands benefit from authentic, impactful partnerships.

25 September 2024

CFL Players’ Association Announces Exciting New Partnership with Royal Retros

For Immediate Release  

Wednesday, September 25, 2024

CFL Players' Association Announces Exciting New Partnership with Royal Retros

Mississauga, ON-  The CFL Players' Association (CFLPA) is thrilled to announce Royal Retros, a renowned producer of high-quality retro and nostalgic sports apparel, as the official merchandise partner of the CFLPA. This 3-year partnership will mark a significant collaboration aimed at expanding the CFLPA's brand presence and celebrating its storied history.

Live on their website effective immediately, Royal Retros has produced a line of CFLPA-branded apparel.  Alongside this, player-led initiatives and designs are being currently developed to ensure that our members remain at the heart of the collaboration, giving fans even more opportunities to engage with CFL athletes both on and off the field. This merchandise will reflect the dynamic energy and rich history of the CFL and its players.

As part of this venture, CFLPA historical merchandise is also in the works. Fans will soon be able to purchase exclusive items that celebrate iconic moments in CFL history, including CFLPA All-Star apparel, honouring the league's top performers from each season. This collection aims to credit the players who have left a legacy on the game, while allowing fans to proudly display their passion for the CFL and their favourite players.

"This partnership with Royal Retros is a fantastic opportunity for us to provide fans with a direct connection to our players’ unique interests and designs as well as with our history," said CFLPA President, Solomon Elimimian. "We are excited to work with a brand that prioritizes quality, and fan engagement. Together, we look forward to creating something special for our players and fans alike."

The first wave of CFLPA-branded products is now available for purchase through Royal Retros' official website, with more collections and exciting player-driven initiatives to be revealed in the coming months.

About the CFLPA: The Canadian Football League Players’ Association (CFLPA) is the union for professional football players in the Canadian Football League (CFL). Since 1965, the Association has worked to establish fair and reasonable working conditions while protecting the rights of all CFL players. In addition to negotiating and enforcing the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the CFLPA provides a variety of member services, builds corporate and community partnerships, and works diligently for the betterment of its membership. For the latest news regarding the CFLPA, please visit www.cflpa.com or follow us on social media @CFLPA.  

About Royal Retros: Royal Retros is a leading producer of nostalgic sports apparel, who specializes in authentic retro designs that celebrate the heritage of teams and players from various leagues. Known for commitment to quality, Royal Retros has become a trusted name among sports fans and collectors. For more information about Royal Retros and to browse their entire collection, please visit CFLPA – Royal Retros
  

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For More Information - CFLPA Media Contact:   
Brendan Heisler, CFLPA Office | b.heisler@cflpa.com | (647) 453-4848 

29 August 2024

CFLPA Academy Profile | Larry Dean with Brett Lauther

Join us for an in-depth conversation with #CFL standout Larry Dean, as he sits down with Brett Lauther to discuss his remarkable journey through the world of football. In this captivating interview, Larry opens up about his illustrious career on the field, sharing behind-the-scenes stories from his time as a professional athlete all the way to his new role in football operations with the #Saskatchewan #Roughriders!

Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more exclusive content and interviews!

19 August 2024

CFLPA Academy Profile | Adam Bighill

Enjoy our full-length conversation with Adam Bighill!

Read more

13 August 2024

CFLPA Appoints Peter Dyakowski as Interim Executive Director

For Immediate Release

August 13,2024

CFLPA Appoints Peter Dyakowski as the Association's Interim Executive Director

Toronto, ON. - The Canadian Football League Players' Association (CFLPA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Peter Dyakowski as the interim Executive Director. Dyakowski, a highly respected former CFL player and long-time advocate for athletes' rights, will assume the role at the end of September following the departure of Brian Ramsay.

Dyakowski enjoyed a very successful 11-year CFL career while playing with two organizations across the league. His experience as a player and his deep understanding of the challenges faced by CFLPA members, make him uniquely qualified to lead the Association during this transitional period.

"We are delighted to have Peter step into this important role", said CFLPA President, Solomon Elimimian. "His dedication to the betterment of our members, combined with his extensive experience and leadership qualities, make him the ideal person to lead the CFLPA at this important time. We are confident that the Association will continue to succeed under Peter's leadership."

Dyakowski has been an active voice in the CFLPA for many years. After serving as a player representative with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats from 2013-2015, Peter was elected to the CFLPA's Executive Board as Treasurer, a position that he excelled in from 2016-2024. Serving in various capacities within the Association has given Peter a deep understanding of the organization's operations and the issues facing its members.

“I am honored to take on this role and to have the opportunity to serve all CFLPA members in this capacity,” said newly appointed Interim Executive Director, Peter Dyakowski. "The CFLPA has a long history of advocating for it's players’ rights, and I am committed to ensuring that we build on that legacy."

The CFLPA will begin an extensive search for a permanent Executive Director in the coming months. In the meantime, Dyakowski will work closely with the CFLPA’s leadership team, staff, and membership to ensure a seamless transition and to continue advancing the Association's key initiatives.

About the CFLPA: The Canadian Football League Players’ Association (CFLPA) is the union for professional football players in the Canadian Football League (CFL). Since 1965, the Association has worked to establish fair and reasonable working conditions while protecting the rights of all CFL players. In addition to negotiating and enforcing the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the CFLPA provides a variety of member services, builds corporate and community partnerships, and works diligently for the betterment of its membership. For the latest news regarding the CFLPA, please visit www.cflpa.com or follow us on social media @CFLPA.  

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For More Information - CFLPA Media Contact:   
Brendan Heisler, CFLPA Office | b.heisler@cflpa.com | (647) 453-4848 

10 July 2024

CFLPA Academy | Career Transitions

The CFLPA Academy is working with former members who have transitioned out of sport and into new careers post-football.

Read more

17 June 2024

CFLPA Academy | 2024 Off-Season

CFL Players' Association members mandated the creation of the player development resource provided for all Active CFL players in 2016. Our team at the CFLPA Academy are ecstatic to announce we have just completed our most comprehensive, and successful off-season of programming ever.

Read more

6 June 2024

CFLPA Academy | Enriched Academy

Enriched Academy is a financial education and awareness company that will provide important assistance to CFLPA Academy members in managing their finances while offering career guidance.

Members will benefit by enhancing their overall financial knowledge through informative, entertaining, and engaging learning programs!

5 June 2024

CFLPA Academy | Athabasca University

Athabasca University provides learning for life. Through the achievements of its students, faculty and staff, AU stands out as a provider of high quality post-secondary education.

Eligible CFLPA Academy members (partners and spouses included) are entitled to receive FREE COURSE CREDITS as a result of this amazing partnership.

4 June 2024

CFLPA Academy | Sport Leadership with Royal Roads University

In this course you'll hone competencies to excel in selfteam, and organizational leadership within a sports context. Dive into real-world sport cases and challenges as your training ground.

Collaborate with your cohort and instructor to pinpoint your leadership strengths and chart a personal development path.

This course is open enrolment and enjoys a diverse learning community of sport leaders from practitioners, to sport administrators, officials, sport journalists, athletes, directors, agents and advisors.

Sincere and ongoing thanks to Dr. Jennifer Walinga, and the full Royal Roads University team for your collaboration, and continued hard work!

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