Arash Madani explains what the CFL must become not just what it must change

Canadian Football League supporters are continuing to digest the key takeaways from this week’s winter meetings in Calgary, with much of the attention centred on upcoming rule changes set to be introduced this season and again in 2027.

However, SportsCage contributor Arash Madani believes the league should be looking beyond adjustments to the rule book. For Madani, the bigger discussion is about the CFL’s long-term direction and what fans should expect from the on-field product in the coming years.

He questioned what the league wants to look like in 2026 and 2027, asking what priorities exist beyond rule tweaks and what changes supporters should anticipate when it comes to the quality and style of football.

Madani also addressed ongoing debates about potential structural changes, including whether the CFL should move away from the traditional East and West divisions or operate more like a single-table, nine-team league. While he said he is largely indifferent to how the standings are organised, he stressed that the focus should be on ensuring the two best teams compete for the championship.

According to Madani, the emphasis on rule changes over the past six months has dominated the conversation, leaving broader questions about the league’s future identity largely unexplored.

Fans can hear the full discussion and catch up on the major stories from the winter meetings by visiting