That is a wrap. In the final hours, the CFL Players’ Association ratified the latest collective bargaining agreement from CFL. The approval came within hours of the midnight Thursday deadline set by CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie.
We have not quite crossed the goal line, but we are within inches. The deal must also be ratified by the CFL board of governors, which most believe will not an issue. The governors vote will happen in the coming days. All games are a go for tomorrow’s pre-season opener.
From the CFLPA;
“Toronto – The Canadian Football League Players’ Association (CFLPA) membership has ratified a Memorandum of Agreement with the Canadian Football League (CFL), and we look forward to the 2022 CFL season.”
From the CFL;
“We are pleased that players have now ratified a new collective bargaining agreement between the CFL and CFLPA. The CFL’s Board of Governors will conduct its ratification vote shortly. We look forward to a successful season — including pre-season games this weekend — and a long and productive partnership with our players.”
The Canadian Press gives a rundown on the approved, highly talked about ratio rule. The ratio rule is still a bit confusing, and it will be interesting to see how the extra draft picks play out.
“According to sources, CFL teams will have seven Canadian starters and 21 in total on rosters this year. In 2023, that number increases to eight with one being a nationalized Canadian — an American who has spent either five years in the CFL or at least three with the same team.
Clubs will also be able to rotate two nationalized Canadians for up to 49 percent of snaps. Teams can move to three nationalized Canadians in 2024, but the two franchises that play the most Canadians at the end of the season will receive additional second-round draft picks.”
Breakdown of the deal;
- $1.225 million ratifications pay for players
- Salary cap increase in 2023 and 2028
- CFL minimum salary increases in 2023 and 2027
- Agreement can be reopened when TSN broadcast agreement expires in 2026
Pro Football Network’s Aaron Wilson has the full details of the agreement.
Tomorrow the Toronto Argonauts take on The Ottawa REDBLACKS at 7:30 pm. Followed by the Edmonton Elks vs. Winnipeg Blue Bombers at 8:30 pm. There were no CFL pre-season games in 2021.
