The Canadian Football League (CFL) and the CFL Players Association announced on Tuesday that they have finalized a new season schedule and playoff format that will begin in the 2027 season.
The 2027 season will kick off on Victoria Day Weekend in May and run through Thanksgiving Day Weekend in October. The new playoff format will start on October 15-16 and conclude with the 114th Grey Cup on November 7, 2027.
“All summer long, the CFL will be front and center – 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,” said Commissioner Stewart Johnston. “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.”
The new playoff format will consist of three rounds. In the first round, the top two teams in each division will play each other in the division showdown, with the winner getting a bye into the semifinals, and the losing team will host a round two game. Seeds five through eight will play in a single-elimination round called the Play-In Game.
In the second round, the winner of the Play-In Game will travel to face the division showdown loser, with matchups based on how they finished in the regular season. Winners of the second round will play in the semifinals, and the winners of the semifinals will play in the Grey Cup.
“This proposal sparked important and productive discussions, with a clear focus on ensuring our members benefit from any changes,” said CFLPA Executive Director David Mackie. “It represents a meaningful step forward that supports both player compensation and the continued growth and excitement of the league, while reinforcing a framework where players share in that growth.”
Here are the key dates for the 2027 season.
- CFL Invitational Combine | February 26
- CFL Combine presented by Anytime Fitness | Week of March 15
- CFL Canadian Draft | April 13
- CFL Global Draft | April 14
- Rookie Camp Opens | April 21
- Training Camp Opens | April 24
- Week 1 | Victoria Day Weekend
- Week 6 | Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day/Fête nationale du Québec (Que.)
- Week 7 | Canada Day Weekend
- Week 11 | August Long Weekend (Civic Holiday)
- Week 16 | Labour Day Weekend
- Week 21 | Thanksgiving Weekend
- 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
