Everything you need to know on the new CFL revamped playoff format
On April 28, the CFL announced a new regular season schedule, and that the CFLPA and the league have agreed to a new playoff format beginning in 2027.
These changes are designed to create more meaningful games, better summer experiences for fans, and a more competitive path to the Grey Cup.
Why shift the season to begin Victoria Day Weekend?
Consistent kickoff weekend, aligning with an iconic Canadian holiday and the unofficial start of summer
Creation of tentpole events for each summer long weekend: Victoria Day Weekend (May), Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day (June), Canada Day Weekend (July), August Long Weekend/Civic Holiday (August), Labour Day Weekend (September) and Thanksgiving Weekend (October)
Establishing long weekend signature events at the stadium, as well as appointment viewing for those at home or at a cottage
More warm weather for fans in attendance to improve fan experience
Better conditions for on-field performance
Will the Grey Cup be played earlier?
Yes – in 2027, the 114
th
Grey Cup in Saskatchewan will be played on November 7
th
– the earliest Grey Cup game ever
For reference, previous Grey Cups in Saskatchewan:
109
th
Grey Cup | November 20, 2022
101
st
Grey Cup | November 24, 2013
91
st
Grey Cup | November 16, 2003
83
rd
Grey Cup | November 19, 1995
How will the new schedule impact off-season events like Combines, the Draft, and the opening of Camps?
Many off-season events will also shift up to align with the new timelines:
CFL Invitational Combine | February 26
CFL Combine presented by Anytime Fitness | Week of March 15
CFL Canadian Draft | April 13
CFL Global Draft | April 14
Rookie Camp Opens | April 21
Training Camp Opens | April 24
Why revamp the playoff structure?
More entertainment with four more playoff games
Demands more out of teams in the regular season, jockeying for position until the very end of the season
Finishing Top-2 in a division guarantees at least two playoff games, and the chance to play for a bye to the Grey Cup Semi-Finals
Battles for every win to earn a valuable home playoff game (the home team has won 80 per cent of playoff games since 2021)
Teams must win at least two playoff games to advance to the Grey Cup
Increased potential for new postseason matchups with division-less seeding
How many teams will qualify for the playoffs under the new format?
Eight
Top-2 teams from each division qualify for the Division Showdown, with a Bye to the Grey Cup Semi-Finals at stake
5-8 seeds will face off in Play-In Games
Nine post-season games (eight playoff + Grey Cup) vs. five previously
9 seed will hold the first overall selection in the following year’s CFL Canadian Draft and CFL Global Draft
Does the regular season matter less now?
No – every game carries more weight than ever
Finishing Top-2 in the division guarantees at least two playoff games and the chance to compete for a bye to the Grey Cup Semi-Finals, meaning a higher probability of winning the Grey Cup
Division winners are more than three times more likely to win the Grey Cup than the No. 5 or 6 seed. They’re seven times more likely to win than the No. 7 or 8 seed
Teams finishing 2
nd
in their division are two times more likely to win the Grey Cup than the No. 5 or 6 seed. They’re three times more likely to win than the No. 7 or 8 seed
Six different teams can earn home playoff dates through regular season performance, increasing their chances to advance
More teams remain in playoff contention deeper into the season, leading to more games of consequence
Finishing higher in the standings can be advantageous in the playoffs
How does this benefit fans?
Higher-stakes games throughout the season – every game matters
More meaningful playoff races – more drama
More playoff football – more entertainment
Chance for teams to face off twice in the playoffs – more rivalries
A more competitive path to the Grey Cup
How many victories in the playoffs are required to win the Grey Cup?
Previously: teams only needed two (minimum for top seeds) or three victories
Now: minimum of three wins and up-to-four required, depending on standings
Ensures champions are fully tested and victories are well-earned
What other changes are there, besides the addition of the two Division Showdowns and the two Play-In Games in Round One?
Subsequent rounds remain sudden death games
Greater possibility of fresh, exciting playoff matchups due to the elimination of divisional seeding
Due to division-less seeding, Rounds Two and Three now have new names:
Round One: Division Showdowns and Play-In Games
Round Two: Elimination Games
Round Three: Grey Cup Semi-Finals
Grey Cup
Do divisions still matter?
Divisions still play a crucial role
Hosting Division Showdown can be considered a reward for finishing at the top of the division
Finishing Top-2 in the division earns teams two home playoff games and a chance for a bye to the Grey Cup Semi-Finals
How does division-less seeding work?
The Top-2 teams in each division advance to the Division Showdowns (Round One)
The four best remaining teams, no matter what division, are seeded No. 5 through No. 8
5 hosts No. 8 and No. 6 hosts No. 7 in the Play-In Games (Round One)
Introduces possibility of interdivisional matchups in Play-In Games and throughout remainder of playoffs
Division Showdown winners awarded No. 1 and No. 2 seeds based on regular season record
Division Showdown losers awarded the No. 3 and No. 4 seeds based on regular season record
After each round, are teams reseeded?
Yes
Higher seeds host in the next round
Division Showdown losers host in Elimination Games and winners host Grey Cup Semi-Finals
Can teams play each other twice in a playoff season?
Yes
Division Showdown teams can meet again in the Grey Semi-Finals or in the Grey Cup
How will the post-season look in 2027 under the new format?
Round One | Two Division Showdowns and Two Play-In Games | October 15-16
Round Two | Two Elimination Games | October 23
Round Three | Two Grey Cup Semi-Finals | October 30
114
th
Grey Cup | November 7