CFL Commissioner Stewart Johnston delivered his first State of the League address on Friday, and he did it with a clear, unmistakable message.
The Canadian game isn’t going anywhere.
For 51 minutes, Johnston walked through what he called “a year of momentum” for the CFL in 2025. Rising attendance and viewership, higher scoring, league-wide parity, digital audience growth, and a five-percent bump in game-day revenue. But once the floor opened to questions, one topic dominated: the rule changes the league announced back in September, and what they might mean for the future of Canadian football.
Johnston wasted zero time setting the record straight.
“Let me be clear: we are three downs, 12 players, unlimited motion, 65 yards wide and huge end zones,” he said firmly. “These rules are not going anywhere.”
He went on to say that while the CFL will always look for ways to innovate, improve flow, and sharpen the on-field product, the league’s foundation is immovable.
“The new rules embrace innovation and perpetual improvement while protecting what makes Canadian football special. Not only am I guaranteeing that we are a three-down game, I can guarantee that it never crossed our minds to consider anything other than that.”
Expansion questions inevitably came up, specifically whether the CFL would consider another attempt at crossing the border.
Johnston shut that door quickly.
“It is not our objective. We would love to have a 10th team in this league; however, when I say '10th team,' I mean a Canadian 10th team. That is our focus.”
He reiterated that while expansion isn’t a top priority, it remains important, and conversations continue behind the scenes.
With new CFL field and timing adjustments coming into effect, some USports programs, especially those sharing stadiums with CFL clubs, have wondered whether they’ll be forced to follow suit.
Johnston said that won’t be necessary.
“They don’t have to change. Amateur football doesn’t have to change. They are still playing the Canadian game — throwing, catching, kicking, running, three downs, 12 players. That game can exist on any type of field.”
He added that if a university chooses not to adopt CFL field modifications, the onus will fall on the pro teams to convert the field back and forth as needed.
The commissioner also dove into the performance of the league’s Replay Centre — a topic that always draws scrutiny.
Johnston praised the league’s officials, calling them “world-class” and highlighting the detailed, rigorous review process in place.
“I watched them week in, week out do one of the hardest jobs I can imagine, and they do it exceptionally well,” he said.
To better understand the system, Johnston spent a full game shadowing the replay team.
“I did not say a single word while I was at the back bench. I was just observing and really impressed with how they work together.”
But he acknowledged that improving game flow remains a priority.
“Game flow is critically important. Every league in the world is trying to simplify these processes. At the winter meetings in January, we’ll look closely at how to keep the excellence but make the process faster.”
The week now shifts fully to Sunday, when the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Montreal Alouettes collide in the 112th Grey Cup.
Coverage on the 620 CKRM Cooperators Rider Broadcast Network begins at 2 p.m.
