Before we get into Stegall’s and Oliveira’s response, some may be wondering what exactly is this new playoff format that will be brought forward.
If you are finding that a little hard to map out, I completely understand. So this may help.
- Playoffs
- Round One – Division Showdowns and Play-In Games | October 15-16
- Round Two – Elimination Games | October 23
- Round Three – Grey Cup Semi-Finals | October 30
- 114th Grey Cup – November 7
I am sure that you will see that there is a “play” button in the middle of the picture. That is because I screen shot the video. So what does the video try to tell us? Well, it opens by saying that it is hard to make it to the Grey Cup and this new format will make it even tougher. They try to tell fans that each game means more. The CFL also says that this new format allows more ways to get in (only 1 team will miss the playoffs). Then they boast that every team must win to stay alive…but that is not a change from how the CFL playoffs currently are. The only real change is that the top 2 teams from each division are guaranteed 2 games.
I seriously suggest that you watch the video, as it does a great job of showing what the new CFL playoff format will look like.
But to me, this is all a solution looking for a problem to fix. What was the issue with they way the CFL playoffs were? Well here is one possible answer.
But do I buy that? Sort of. Already, it has been reported that in 2025 only two teams made a profit Winnipeg Blue Bombers Keep Raking In The Dough. So I do not believe that adding extra playoff games are going to help other teams turn a profit. Look, in past playoff years teams in the playoffs were not selling out their stadiums. Will this format change that? I do not think so.
But maybe I missed the point, maybe the increased revenue – that is anticipated from this new format – is for the league and not the teams. Or maybe for the players.
Stegall posted this on X, “Ask CFL players how they feel about this new era of playoff football,” Stegall wrote. “I guarantee 100 percent of them love it. More games, more exposure, more chances to put extra coins in their pockets.”
The only problem is that he was wrong. CJ Reavis took to X to display is his displeasure, with a big two thumbs down emoji. Brady Oliveira also responded, and he was not in favour. But then Stegall doubled down.
Generally, from what I have read online, fans do not like this change either. The sentiment seems to be that this makes the league look even more like a joke.
Whatever side you take, consider this. The CFL is trying to make this argument, ““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.”
“More games”? Check. “More Drama”? “Raising the stakes so every game has real consequences”? You have to be kidding me! This is literally watering down the CFL Playoffs. 8 out of 9 teams make the playoffs. I would contend, less drams and lowering the stakes.
Why watch any regular season game? (I of course will still watch each regular season game because I enjoy the Bombers). But, there is less compulsion for the more casual fan to be tuned in until the playoffs.
The Proof
This change has not even helped the self-proclaimed ‘best fans in the league‘ Saskatchewan Roughriders sell out the Labour Day Classic. If there were a true litmus test for the playoff format making each game more important, the LDC would be the benchmark! (I would like to use the Banjo Bowl as well…but that is already sold out. You do not need to convince Bomber fans to come to games).
One final change for 2027 is the schedule start and end date. The CFL regular season will start Victoria Day Weekend. That has to mean that the pre-season games will get moved up to starting in April, and the Grey Cup will be a week earlier.
What do you think? Let me know in the comments section wherever you are reading this. Catch all my articles here.
