The Canadian Football League is giving fans the clarity they crave regarding the 2026 season.
In his address to the League ahead of the 112th Gray Cup, Commissioner Stuart Johnston announced that the 2026 CFL schedule will be officially released on December 9th. This date is a full five weeks earlier than the 2025 schedule release date. which arrived on January 16.
The significant course correction comes after the league faced sustained public criticism for its delay in making the announcement last year. Late release was due to “multiple competing factors” and it came after the holiday season, when many fans needed a clear gift plan.
This year's estimated release date is more in line with previous seasons. The 2024 schedule was released on December 14, and the 2023 schedule was released on December 13. The 2022 schedule was released Dec. 16, just four days after the end of the 2021 season, which was shortened due to the coronavirus pandemic.
However, the late announcement of the schedule is not unprecedented. In 2017, the CFL waited until February 7 to present its list, and in 2013 the presentation took place until March 5.
The league's proactive approach to 2026 is especially impressive because of the unique challenges the league will face next season. Two teams, the Toronto Argonauts and BC Lions, will be evicted from their stadiums this summer to make way for the World Cup. Argos elected play three home matches at away venues – Saskatchewan, Winnipeg and Hamilton – while the Lions will playplay a couple of games at a temporary site in Kelowna. All logistical difficulties associated with these changes will have to be resolved by the time of release.
The CFL will have to get used to working on a tight deadline as they have already reported that The 2027 season will be moved forward a week. This could mean an even earlier release schedule next year.
