What were the main ideas behind these changes?
The CFL is committed to constant improvement, always looking for ways to evolve and make the game more thrilling, and these new changes give fans even more of what they love.
The league focused on four key areas:
- More touchdowns – the most exciting play in football
- More consistent game flow and less downtime = more action
- Bolder play calls – coaches can take more risks and be more aggressive
- Better game experience – in the stands or watching from home, there will be more direct sightlines to catch all the big plays in the end zone
The bottom line: these changes will deliver greater excitement, bigger plays and more entertainment, every time the ball is snapped.
Why are some changes coming in 2026, while others are coming in 2027?
The phased approach provides teams and stadiums with the necessary time to implement structural changes ahead of the 2027 season. It also gives external stakeholders, such as U SPORTS and the CJFL, the opportunity to consider potential alignment at their own pace. These changes open the door for clubs and venues to reimagine premium seating and fan experiences. Additionally, the extended timeline allows for thoughtful consideration of any cascading rule changes, in close collaboration with CFL coaches, officials, and the CFL Rules Committee.
Is the Canadian Football League becoming less Canadian?
The CFL will always be very Canadian. These changes are about increasing entertainment, while supporting and maintaining the traditions of our game, such as three downs, 12 players on the field, the waggle and much more. These changes make our game more exciting and more entertaining.
The league has seen rule changes before. Before 1929, throwing the ball forward was illegal – imagine when the league altered that rule. At one point, the East Division used to play two games with the total score determining the winner, while the West Division played a best-of-three series – imagine that format today.
The CFL, like every other successful, longstanding league, has continually evolved and innovated over the years, and will continue to do so to benefit fans and strengthen the future of Canadian football.
How did the CFL come to these conclusions?
These changes weren’t made in a vacuum. Market research, in-depth football analysis and indirect fan feedback guided the process. The goal wasn’t to fix something broken; it was to make a great product even better. The focus was more touchdowns and more reasons to cheer for your favourite team.
More touchdowns? How?
Moving the goalposts from the front of the end zone opens up a whole new world of possibilities for the offence. Right now, quarterbacks have to be so precise to throw behind the uprights, but the possibility of a “doink” can make it too risky to attack the middle of the end zone. The whole end zone will now be fair-game, giving QBs and receivers more room to maneuver.
The shortened field means teams start closer to the end zone, resulting in fewer yards to cover to get six points.
What does aggressive play-calling mean?
Teams can be bolder, thanks to these changes. With the end zones now closer, field goals slightly further, and modifications to the rouge, coaches are more likely to take big swings on first and second down instead of playing it safe, and we could see gutsier third-down calls too, especially on the opponent’s side of the field.
For example:
Say a team is sitting on the opponent’s 35-yard line. Under the old rules, that’s a 42-yard field goal – pretty manageable. With the changes, that same kick becomes a much tougher 57-yarder. So instead of settling for a long attempt with the opportunity to at least get a point, teams might roll the dice and go for it on third down to keep the drive alive.
Sure, they could punt, but if it sails or bounces through the end zone, the other team starts at their own 40-yard line, which is the same result as making the field goal. So, there’s less reward for playing it safe and more incentive to chase touchdowns.
The bottom line: these changes encourage more action, more drama and more edge-of-your-seat moments for fans.
Will the pace be faster?
Game pace will be more consistent. Under current rules, officials have to factor-in substitutions, game situations, stadium configuration, team readiness and more before whistling the play clock in. An automatic play clock ensures consistent time between plays throughout the game across the league. It also removes an unnecessary burden from officials, freeing them from having to make that judgment after every play.
How will this enhance the fan experience?
Fans on the sidelines won’t have to look past the goalposts and on TV; the only angles that will show the goal posts are those at the back of the end zone.
Think of the potential “Catch of the Year” – the interception made by BC Lions defensive back Robert Carter Jr. One side of the field and viewers on TV had to deal with the goalposts when trying to get a glimpse of the highlight reel catch.
the repositioned goalposts will offer more direct sightlines for all the action in the end zone.
With a condensed field and end zone, teams can enhance their pre-game and in-game access to bring fans closer to the action and players.
Will there be more changes to the game?
