Remember the first Sunday in November next year More changes on the way for 2027 CFL season, including new playoff format By: Taylor Allen Posted: 5:40 PM CDT Tuesday, Apr. 28, 2026

The road to the Grey Cup is going to look much different in 2027.

The CFL announced on Tuesday that they are making major changes to the playoff format that will see eight playoff games played across three rounds leading up to championship Sunday. Eight of the nine teams will also qualify for post-season action.

“More games. More drama. More entertainment. That was the mission and that’s exactly what this format will deliver,” said CFL commissioner Stewart Johnston in a statement. “We’re raising the stakes so every game carries real consequences — more teams in the hunt, right to the end.”

As per the CFL’s release, here is the new format explained in detail:

ROUND 1 — Two Division Showdowns and Two Play-In Games

Division Showdown: The first- and second-place teams in each division face off. Winners earn a bye to Round 3 (Grey Cup semifinals) with home-field advantage; losers move on to Round 2 (elimination games).

Play-In Games: Teams finishing outside the Top-2 in each division are seeded Nos. 5-8, with No. 9 eliminated from playoff contention. The play-in games will see No. 5 host No. 8, and No. 6 host No. 7. Winners advance to Round 2, while losers are eliminated.

ROUND 2 – Elimination Games

Division Showdown losers host Play-In Game winners with matchups based on regular-season records. Winners advance to Round 3 (Grey Cup semifinals) and losers are eliminated.

ROUND 3 – Grey Cup semifinals

Division Showdown winners host Elimination Game winners with matchups based on regular-season record. Victors advance to the Grey Cup.

The current format, which will remain in place for the upcoming season, has six teams making the playoffs with the two No. 1 seeds hosting their respective division finals — against the winner of the previous week’s 2 vs. 3 divisional meeting — to decide who goes to the Grey Cup.

“I think what it does is make every game impactful in the season… The seeding is going to become more important,” said Winnipeg Football Club president and CEO Wade Miller in a chat with the Free Press.

“There’s an opportunity to create more of an excitement in the playoffs and have that opportunity for more games. Now, you can’t just get to the Grey Cup in one game, you’re going to have to win two. It’s going to be a different challenge for teams now.”

“I’d rather start earlier and have more games in the summer.”

While unique to North America, a near-identical setup is used by the Australian Football League.

“I think we struck a good balance between tradition and innovation. It’s modernizing our game, and it’s to make sure we’re going to have a league that’s thriving for decades,” said Miller.

“There’s some good opportunities ahead of us and I think it’s going to be great to have a new format come 2027. It’s going to help us us move our business forward and get another round of games in.”

That wasn’t the only change that was revealed. Starting in 2027, the CFL will also now start each season on Victoria Day weekend and have the Grey Cup take place on the first Sunday of November.

This year will see Week 1 kick off on June 4 and the Grey Cup played on Nov. 15.

“There’s an opportunity to create more of an excitement in the playoffs.”

“You’re going to have a problem with weather on either side. I’d rather start earlier and have more games in the summer. And when the games matter most down the stretch, it’d be great to ensure that we’re playing in warmer weather for our fans and for our players,” said Miller.

“And you know, we’re still playing football on Thursday night and Friday night — that’s not changing. So, the season’s moving up a little bit, but it’s not changing the nights that we’re playing football in Winnipeg.”

CFLPA executive director David Mackie expressed his support for Tuesday’s announcement in a statement.

“This proposal sparked important and productive discussions, with a clear focus on ensuring our members benefit from any changes,” said 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.”

Reaction from players on social media was mixed.

“So finishing first means nothing for the playoffs?? I’m confused as to the point lol,” wrote Ottawa Redblacks defensive back C.J. Reavis on Instagram.

Calgary Stampeders receiver Reggie Begelton also shared his opinion on Instagram.

“The No. 1 and No. 2 spots for the end of season means so much more now. Endless possibilities for the future! Has to start somewhere. Have faith.”

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