Is It May Yet? The Canadian Football League (CFL) has announced sweeping changes to the regular season and playoffs coming in 2027.
In agreement with the Canadian Football League Players Association, starting in 2027 the CFL will begin on Victoria Day Weekend with the regular season ending on Thanksgiving Day with a focus on being the home of Summer Football. Along with regular season changes, the playoffs will also see a massive change as it will expand to an 8-team 3 round format.
In a press release from the CFL, Commissioner Johnston said “All summer long, the CFL will be front and centre – exactly where it belongs. We’re establishing CFL Long Weekends, from Victoria Day to Thanksgiving, to create can’t-miss events for fans in the stadium and those watching at home,”
New CFL Season structure
- Season beings Victoria Day Weekend
- The CFL as the home of summer long weekends
- Signature tentpole events align with holiday from Victoria Day to Thanksgiving
- More warm weather games deliver improved fan experience and better conditions for on-field performance
Revamped Playoffs
- Greater excitement with four additional playoff games
- Seeding more important than ever with more home playoff games available
- Top-2 in each division guaranteed a minimum of two playoff home games and a chance for a bye to the Grey Cup Semi-Finals
- Longer, more challenging road in the post-season, with a minimum of two playoff wins required to advance to the Grey Cup
- Division Retained, but playoff introduce division-less re-seeding
“More games. More drama. More entertainment. That was the mission and that’s exactly what this format will deliver,” added the Commissioner. “We’re raising the stakes so every game carries real consequences – more teams in the hunt, right to the end.” said Commissioner Johnston
“This proposal sparked important and productive discussions, with a clear focus on ensuring our members benefit from any changes,” said CFLPA Executive Director David Mackie. “It represents a meaningful step forward that supports both player compensation and the continued growth and excitement of the league, while reinforcing a framework where players share in that growth.”
New playoff Format
Round One – Two Division Showdowns and Two Play-In Games
Division Showdown: The First-and Second-place teams in each division face off with winners receiving a Bye to Round 3 (the Grey Cup Semi Finals) with Home Field Advantage. Loser will play in round two
Play In Games: Teams outside of the Top-2 in each division are seeded 5-8 with the last place teams (no.9) eliminated. Play in games will be No.5 vs No.8 and No.6 vs No.9. Winners will play the loser of the Division showdown and the losers will be eliminated
Round 1 Format
Divisional
D1 vs D2 (East)
D1 vs D2 (West)
Play-In
N.5 vs N8
N6 vs N7
Round 2 Format
D-Loser (higher seed) vs P-Winner (lower seed)
D-Loser (lower seed) vs P-Winner (higher Seed)
D-Winners get bye to Round 3
Round 3 Format
D-Winner (higher seed) vs R2-Winner (lower seed)
D-Winner (lower seed) vs R2-Winner (higher seed)
Seeding will be based on Regular Season Records.
2027 Playoff Schedule
Round 1: October 15 & 16
Round 2: October 23
Round 3: October 30
Grey Cup: November 7
The Regular season and playoffs aren’t the only changes, plenty of Off-Season dates including the CFL Draft are being moved up to fit these changes in.
2027 Key Dates:
- CFL Invitational Combine | February 16
- CFL Combine Presented by Anytime Fitness | Week of March 15
- CFL Canadian Draft | April 13
- CFL Global Draft | April 14
- Rookie Camps | April 21
- Main Camp | April 24