The Canadian Football League (CFL) has announced significant changes to its playoff structure and regular season schedule, set to take effect in 2027. Alongside new field dimensions, the league will introduce a revamped postseason format and an earlier start to the season, with games beginning on Victoria Day weekend in May and concluding on Thanksgiving weekend in October.
New Playoff Format Details
Starting in 2027, the CFL will add four new playoff games, ensuring the top two teams in each division are guaranteed at least two playoff contests. The current system, which remains in place for 2026, grants a first-round bye to the division leader and a home divisional final. The new format will feature the top two teams in each division facing off in the first round on October 15-16. The winner of that game earns a bye to the third round and hosts a Grey Cup semifinal.
Teams ranked five through eight in the regular season, regardless of division, will compete in play-in games on the same weekend. The fifth-place team hosts the eighth, and the sixth hosts the seventh. The winners advance to the second round on October 23, where they meet the losers of the top-two matchups. The ninth-place team will be eliminated from playoff contention.
The winners of the second-round games move to the third round on October 30, facing the winners of the first-round top-two games, who have had a bye. The semifinal winners then clash in the Grey Cup. The 2027 Grey Cup is scheduled for November 7 in Regina.
Earlier Season Start
The regular season will begin earlier than ever, with Week 1 starting in May. This shift means training camps will also start earlier, on April 24, compared to the current Victoria Day weekend start. The CFL drafts will be held on April 13 and 14. The league aims to capitalize on warmer weather, enhancing the fan experience and on-field performance.
CFL Commissioner Stewart Johnston stated, "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. More games. More drama. More entertainment. That was the mission and that’s exactly what this format will deliver. We’re raising the stakes so every game carries real consequences — more teams in the hunt, right to the end."
The CFL Players’ Association has approved the changes, which have been incorporated into the existing collective bargaining agreement.
