CFL commissioner Stewart Johnston delivers his verdict over the team expansion to a 10th team

CFL commissioner Stewart Johnston says expansion isn’t a priority — and any future 10th team must be Canadian

CFL commissioner Stewart Johnston made it clear during his first state-of-the-league address on Friday that adding a 10th franchise is not an immediate focus. And if expansion does happen, the league wants the new team based in Canada.

Johnston emphasized that the league’s recent rule and field-dimension changes were not made with a return to U.S. markets in mind. The CFL briefly operated American teams in the 1990s before reverting to an all-Canadian lineup in 1996.

“It’s not something we’re aiming for,” Johnston said. “People ask me about expansion all the time, and while we’d love to grow, we’re talking about a Canadian 10th team — that’s where our attention is.”

Grey Cup officiating crew confirmed

Andre Proulx has been assigned as the referee for Sunday’s Grey Cup matchup between the Montreal Alouettes and the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

This will be Proulx’s 11th Grey Cup appearance and comes in his 27th CFL season. His officiating team includes:

• Umpire: Ritchie Miller (6th Grey Cup)

• Down judge: Marc Cobb (1st)

• Line judge: Thomas Cesari (5th)

• Side judge: Dave Gatza (4th)

• Back judge: Kevin Riopel (3rd)

• Field judge: Jim Carlisle (1st)

Backup officials include Troy Semenchuk, Dan Mulvihill and Brian Chrupalo.

The off-field group features Darren Hackwood, Steve Dolyniuk, Al Bradbury and Dave Foxcroft.

Players’ union to release second annual report card

CFLPA president Solomon Elimimian confirmed that the players’ association will publish its second annual team report card, allowing players to rate working conditions anonymously.

Elimimian said the first report, issued in December 2024, prompted “real improvements” across the league — from better practice surfaces and training facilities to improved meals and travel arrangements.

CFL enjoys strong numbers in 2025

Johnston announced several positive league-wide metrics:

• Gameday revenue rose 5% year-over-year.

• Attendance increased for the fourth straight season.

• CFL games averaged 52.9 points, the highest since 2017.

• 51% of games were decided in the final three minutes.

• Quarterbacks completed 69.2% of passes, the best in league history.

• Social media interactions grew 35%, while audiences increased 8% overall — including a massive 200% jump on TikTok.

• Video views were up 25%.

CFLPA All-Star Team revealed

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats led all teams with seven selections to this year’s CFLPA All-Star team. Their players included:

• Ante Milanovic-Litre (FB)

• Coulter Woodmansey (C)

• Brandon Revenberg (G)

• Liam Dobson (G)

• Kenneth Lawler (WR)

• Jamal Peters (CB)

• Stavros Katsantonis (S)

Other notable selections:

• QB Nathan Rourke (B.C.) – CFL’s Most Outstanding Player and Top Canadian

• RB Justin Rankin (Edmonton)

• Tackles: Jermarcus Hardrick (Saskatchewan), Stanley Bryant (Winnipeg)

• WRs: Keon Hatcher (B.C.), Nic Demski (Winnipeg), KeeSean Johnson (Saskatchewan)

Defensive line standouts included Mathieu Betts and Jonah Tavai of B.C., along with Jaylon Hutchings and Folarin Orimolade from Calgary.

Corey Mace of Saskatchewan was named All-Star head coach.