‘We are three downs’: CFL commissioner delivers State of the League address

CFL commissioner Stewart Johnston ruffled feathers a few months ago when he announced a number of changes coming to the Canadian Football League.

So at his State of the League address on Friday, Johnston’s message was focused on the things that will remain the same.

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“When we announced those rule changes, I did not do enough to emphasize something very important: our unwavering commitment to the Canadian game,” Johnston said. “So let me be clear. We are three downs, 12 players, unlimited motion, 65 yards wide and huge end zones.”

Johnston said it never crossed the minds of those in charge of the league to switch from three downs to four.

Beginning next season, the league will modify the Rouge, with the point only being awarded if a returner can’t get the ball out of the end zone or takes a knee. Next season will also see the introduction of a 35-second automatic play clock, and stadiums will be required to place team benches on opposite sides of the field.

But the biggest changes are coming in 2027, as the field length will be shortened to 100 yards, the end zones will be reduced to 15 yards and the goal posts will be moved to the back of the end zones.

“Our goal was clear – to make the game even more entertaining,” Johnston said.

“We focused on improving sightlines for fans, increasing touchdowns while reducing field goals, maintaining a clean field of play and ensuring a consistent game pace and encouraging more aggressive play calling, all while improving player health and safety.”

Johnston reiterated that U Sports and other amateur football leagues in the country do not have to change their rules in the wake of the CFL’s updates.

“They are still playing the Canadian game. They are throwing, catching, kicking, running, three downs, 12 players. That game can exist on any type of field. For those three (CFL) stadiums that do share with U Sport, it will be the CFL’s responsibility to change the field back and forth in the case they do not adopt the same changes,” Johnston explained.

The commissioner said he has spoken to players and agents about the rule changes, with many of them expressing support.

“I expected a lot of debate, and that’s fair,” Johnston said. “The large majority of players, agents and coaches I have talked to have all been supportive.”

Johnston added that the 2026 CFL schedule will be released on Dec. 9.

Canadian Football League Players’ Association executive director David Mackie delivered the union’s yearly update shortly after Johnston was done. He said the biggest takeaway was that the players weren’t consulted on the rule changes.

“That’s what we worked on,” Mackie said. “We are going to have members who are outspoken and some who may love the rules but don’t have anything to say. What matters is we weren’t consulted and our voices weren’t heard.”

League’s focus is on Canadian expansion

With the field changes will make the Canadian game look more like the American style of football, questions have been raised about whether the changes were part of an effort to expand the league into the U.S. Johnston said the CFL does want to see expansion, but the focus remains in Canada.

“While (expansion) is not a top priority, of course it’s incredibly important. We would love to have a 10th team in this league,” Johnston said. “When I say a 10th team, I mean a Canadian 10th team. That is our focus.”

Johnston said the league has excellent communications going on in a number of different markets.

“Our strategy, as it relates to expansion, whether it’s the east coast or Quebec City or anywhere else in Canada, is to be pulled into the market,” he said.

“We want that interested group that is going to have the financial wherewithal, the political connections and infrastructure plan to pull us into a community because they have done the work.”

Game-day revenues, viewership rose in 2025

When it comes to the financials of the league, 2025 saw more growth. There was an increase of one per cent in viewership, while game-day revenues were up five per cent.

Johnston also said attendance was also up for a fourth consecutive season.

“A remarkable achievement, especially given the economic challenges and the pressure on Canadians’ disposable income,” Johnston said. “I want to thank our fans for choosing to spend their hard-earned money with us.”

The league has also seen an increase when it comes to its digital channels, seeing a 35 per cent increase in social media interactions, with video views going up by 25 per cent.

Website upgrades, season-long fantasy football coming

Johnston said it’s important to have a modern and reliable digital option for fans in this day and age, and said he saw improvements that needed to be made just days into his tenure as commissioner.

“On my third day on the job, during the CFL draft, our website went down. During the first preseason game of the year, it went down again,” Johnston said.

“If we want to be considered a major professional sports league, this cannot happen.”

Johnston said the CFL will overhaul its website and the team sites, while also developing a new CFL app.

The league will also introduce season-long fantasy football to its toolbox, Johnston said, giving fans another chance to engage with the league.

These changes are expected to come in 2026.