A recent national poll indicates that nearly half of Canadian Football League enthusiasts are either in favor of or accepting of the proposed adjustments to the league’s regulations. However, around two-thirds of respondents believe that at present, transforming the CFL to mirror the American game is not advisable.
The CFL commissioner, Stewart Johnston, unveiled a set of rule modifications slated for gradual implementation over the next two years. In 2026, the league intends to discontinue awarding a single point for field goals, punts, or kickoffs that go through or out of the end zone. Additionally, a 35-second automatic play clock will replace the current 20-second allowance after officials signal a play.
By 2027, the playing fields will be reduced from 110 yards to 100 yards, the end zones will shrink from 20 yards to 15 yards, and the goalposts will be relocated from the goal line to the back of the end zones.
A survey conducted by Winnipeg-based Probe Research among 1,230 Canadian adults from October 6 to 14 revealed that 30% of participants were aware of the proposed rule adjustments. Among the respondents, 11% identified as avid CFL fans who attend games or watch them on TV, while 29% occasionally watch games or check scores. Notably, 60% of Canadians do not follow the CFL at all.
Of the fans surveyed, 42% expressed support or partial support for the proposed rule changes, while 20% opposed them, and 37% did not offer a firm opinion. Opposition to the changes was notably higher in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, where teams like the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Winnipeg Blue Bombers command significant live attendance.
Furthermore, a supplementary survey involving 448 Manitoba residents indicated heightened resistance to the rule alterations in the Prairie province, with 45% of respondents disapproving of the changes.
Among CFL followers nationwide, the new 35-second play clock garnered the most approval at 62%, followed by the elimination of awarding a single point for balls going through the end zone, with 59% support. There was slightly less backing for other proposed changes, including shortening the end zones to 15 yards (55%), moving the goalposts to the back of the end zones (54%), and reducing the field to 100 yards (53%).
Interestingly, 64% of CFL followers believe that now is not the appropriate time to adopt rule changes that align the league more closely with the NFL. Additionally, 42% stated they would cease watching CFL games if the modifications were enforced.
The survey also highlighted that half of CFL enthusiasts perceive the league as less captivating compared to the NFL. However, 59% of respondents believe that the proposed changes would enhance the excitement of Canadian football.
Probe Research’s principal, Curtis Brown, emphasized the balancing act between tradition and innovation that the CFL faces with these rule adjustments. He noted the challenge of expanding the audience while respecting the league’s core supporters who view the CFL as a uniquely Canadian sport.
The Canadian Football League did not provide a response to requests for comment on the survey. The national survey by Probe Research utilized an online survey provider, with a Manitoba subsample from Probe’s online panel. Statistical weighting was applied to ensure the sample reflected Canada’s demographic composition based on age, gender, and geographic region.
