The United Football League is undergoing massive changes. Roster redrafts, centralized control, a pivot toward young talent as an NFL launchpad, and a philosophy that openly discourages veterans from sticking around for four or five years. I have been someone who has been critical of these shifts.

But from a Canadian perspective? We should actually be rooting hard for the UFL to thrive in 2026 and beyond. The UFL’s success in its current form is a massive net positive for the CFL, Canadian players, and the entire football ecosystem.

1. The UFL Could Become a Premier Talent Pipeline That Feeds Proven Players Directly into the CFL

The UFL is delivering high-level professional reps to players who then bring that experience north when they seek stability. This has already happened this offseason and could become more frequent as the UFL prioritizes roster churn over stability.

QB Bryce Perkins signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers not long after he discovered the Michigan Panthers were relocating and Head Coach Mike Nolan would no longer be with the team. Perkins was the UFL MVP last season and was briefly with the Carolina Panthers in the preseason, where he had the highest offensive grade among the team in the game that he played in.

WR Siaosi Mariner led the UFL in receiving yards last season. He spent time with the Ottawa RedBlacks in 2022 and 23 before the team went in a different direction. He wanted to go back to the CFL and loved playing in Canada, and is now a Saskatchewan Roughrider.

DEs Levi Bell and Bradlee Anae were standout edge rushers in the UFL, and both joined the BC Lions late in the season last year. Levi Bell had the 8th highest defensive grade from Pro Football Focus last season.

CB Lorenzo Burns came to the CFL after winning 3 championships with the Birmingham Stallions, joining Montreal midway through the 2024 season. Last year saw him finish as the 2nd highest graded cornerback in the CFL.

DT Joe Wallace was All-UFL last season and joined the Toronto Argonauts after winning a UFL Championship last year. He is back in the UFL to try to run it back with DC but is a player to keep an eye on returning north. He was the 16th highest graded defensive tackle by PFF last CFL season.

These aren’t fringe players. They’re impact guys who can play at a high level right away. A thriving UFL means more of these pro-ready players potentially flowing into CFL camps every offseason. Especially as the UFL trends toward manufacturing roster churn in favor of younger players.

The UFL’s new part-owner, Mike Repole, is spearheading great marketing initiatives

2. UFL Instability and Roster Churn Makes the CFL the Clear Destination for Stability-Seeking Veterans

I’ve criticized the UFL’s steps toward manufacturing roster churn with the mindset of wanting only players who have possible NFL futures. New UFL Part Owner Mike Repole is on record saying, “if you’re here four or five years, you probably shouldn’t be”. These are not words that make a player feel they can make a career as a UFL player.

This philosophy not only blocks legends from possibly representing the same city for a long career and becoming fan favorites, but it also needlessly limits the talent pool. The best way to improve young players is to have them play the best players.

This shift has made the CFL the clear choice for players who are looking for a stable pro league. If the UFL succeeds in its new identity, it will further strengthen the northern pipeline as players look to put down roots and build a career.

Breeland Speaks was the Defensive Player of the Year for the UFL in 2024. Last season was shortened by injury for him, but he still finished as the 5th-highest graded defensive end. He is not on a UFL roster after all these manufactured roster changes, despite having signed an extension last October. The UFL is already turning away from its own talent, and there are many other examples.

3. More Options for American Players South of the Border = More Impactful Roles for Canadians in the CFL

It’s been voiced at times by people in the CFL universe that some see the UFL as an obstacle to player acquisitions. While this is true at times, those same people are often the same people who are quick to celebrate when Canadian players emerge in impactful roles.

The added challenge in player acquisition increases the value and potential impact of finding capable players from Canada. Frankly, a possible increase in opportunities for players from U Sports getting more impactful roles is a good thing for football in Canada. There are casual football fans in Canada barely even aware that U Sports football exists, if aware at all. An increase in awareness and celebration of U Sports is good for youth football participation, which leads to more passionate football fans.

An increase in value and focus on U Sports talent is a good thing for football in Canada and the overall Canadian identity.

4. A Strong North American Football Ecosystem Lifts All Boats

A successful UFL provides high-quality professional football at a time when it’s not otherwise available. That is undeniably good for the sport of football, and it does not even create TV viewer competition. It transforms football into a year-round sport in mainstream media. That energy can spill northward.

The UFL is not a direct rival to the CFL. In its newly adopted form, it could act more as a partner that develops talent and, through its own manufactured instability, makes the CFL stand out as a place where careers actually last.

5. There Simply Aren’t Enough Professional Football Jobs, The UFL Helps Fix This

One of the biggest issues in football is the enormous gap between supply and demand. College football produces tens of thousands of players annually from hundreds of programs. Every year, thousands of seniors run out of collegiate eligibility, yet professional opportunities remain extremely limited. Between the NFL, CFL, and UFL, there are only 49 teams. After that, there are paths in arena leagues, but the pay is not enough to sustain a career.

Compared to other sports in North America:

• Hockey 94 teams across the NHL, AHL, and ECHL
• Baseball has 30 MLB teams and over 120 minor league teams
• Soccer with the MLS (30 teams), USL Championship (25 teams), CPL (8 teams)

The lack of pathways means far too many talented players see their careers end the moment college eligibility expires. There are many prospects who could develop into NFL-caliber contributors who do not have a long enough runway in their football careers to reach their potential.

I have the opinion that the United States’ development of football talent is the most powerful example of a single country developing talent in a specific sport. 49 teams are not enough, and without the UFL, it’s only 41.

The UFL adds hundreds of legitimate professional roster spots. Even if it never transcends fully being a developmental league, it gives players paid work and meaningful film against strong competition.

The overall talent of professional football improves if there are more players improving rather than retiring to get a job in accounting the moment college ends. A stronger football ecosystem raises the floor for everyone.

Closing

Every additional professional job created south of the border keeps talent in the game longer. American talent being absorbed elsewhere can create new opportunities for Canadian players.