The CFL rules committee wrapped up meetings on Tuesday, and CFL Commissioner Stuart Johnson outlined some interesting changes for the upcoming season, but most intriguing to me was his subtle mention about a potential playoff format change.
Let’s start with the CFL rule changes for 2026.
— The 35-second play clock will be in play this season, however, the final three minutes of each half will still utilize the 20-second play clock.
I’m sure you will read and hear a lot of bellyaching about the CFL having two different clocks. I can understand that point, but the switch to the 35-second clock won’t have the negative impact many claim. The truth about the 20-second play clock was that too often the play wasn’t blow in quick enough and the time between plays was sometimes 40-50 seconds.
You could counter that by saying get the officials to blow-in the play properly, and that is good in theory, but practically it is a bit more difficult. I won’t be surprised if we see similar number of plays with the new 35-second play clock as we did with the 20-second clock.
— There will be no more ties. The OT format of two mini games will remain, and then if the teams are still tied, two-point convert attempts will be used until there is a winner. There will be no loser point, just the winner.
It is important to note that ties are very rare in the CFL, especially in games not involving the Calgary Stampeders.
The CFL has only had 10 ties since 2000 and the Calgary Stampeders have been involved in six of them.
In 2024 the league had two ties with CGY/MTL and SSK/OTT.
One in 2017 with CGY/OTT.
One in 2016 with CGY/OTT.
One in 2009 with CGY/SSK.
Two in 2007 with CGY/BC and WPG/EDM.
One in 2004 with TOR/HAM
None in 2002, but that was the final year the league awarded one point for an overtime loss. Saskatchewan, Calgary and Ottawa each had two while Hamilton and Montreal had one. Thankfully they got rid of the OT loser point in 2003.
Two in 2000 with CGY/SSK and WPG/TOR.
Even though ties are rare, I think it is wise to eliminate them and I love that there is no OTL point.
— The ball will be scrimmaged at the 40-yard line after field goal attempts that hit the upright and don’t go in or on balls that are kicked through the end zone. If you hammer a 25-yarder off the upright not only do you miss out on three points you give the opposition good field position.
NON RULE CHANGE ANNOUNCEMENTS..
— CFL players will be eligible to play at the 2028 Olympics in Flag Football, but the CFL won’t halt their regular season schedule. I’m sure the CFL would strategically have more bye weeks during the Olympics, but continuing the season is wise.
— The most interesting part of Johnson’s media avail was him mentioning the conversation around a potential new playoff format. He questioned whether it is right for a team (Division winners) to only win one game to reach the Grey Cup.
I love this being a discussion. Having eight of nine teams in the playoffs, wouldn’t be ideal, but if the league expands to 10 teams (Johnson mentioned he’d love to see it happen by 2030, but admitted it is complicated), then you could have eight of ten teams make it.
Remember the NHL used to have 16 of 21 teams make the playoffs, and no one ripped them for it, so having eight of ten would be great, because it would add two more playoff games.
Would a playoff format change occur without a tenth team? I’m not sure, but I’m intrigued by the notion you need to win more than one game to earn a berth in the Championship game.
