CALGARY (January 14, 2026) – Media members are invited to participate in Commissioner Stewart Johnston’s virtual availability as part of the 2026 Canadian Football League (CFL) Winter Meetings.
As part of the annual event, Team Presidents, General Managers, Head Coaches, Commissioner Johnston, League Office personnel and CFL Players’ Association representatives have been participating in various meetings to plan for the upcoming campaign and to discuss topics related to the future of the league.
A General Managers and Head Coaches Media Day was conducted on Monday, January 12. Commissioner Johnston will conduct a virtual availability today in anticipation of his second season.
Recordings of both virtual availabilities will be provided upon request.
2026 WINTER MEETINGS DISCUSSION TOPICS
The following list is non-exhaustive. Discussion topics may or may not lead to changes.
Application of rule changes Cascading tactical rules required to implement structural changes announced in September (i.e. last three-minute rules)Additional rule changes Annual review of proposed rule changes brought to the rules committee (i.e. short yardage plays/quarterback sneaks)OvertimePotential format adjustments during the regular seasonReplay CentreNegotiation Lists American player draft as a possible alternative to acquiring and managing U.S. player rightsOlympic guidelines2028 CFL Schedule CFL player eligibility and participation limits for camps and/or LA28PlayoffsPotential adjustments to the Grey Cup Playoff format for future seasonsFree Agency and Communication WindowPotential adjustments to format and timelineAdditional on-uniform branding opportunities New league-wide commercial inventory End of season player recognitionPotential format adjustments to CFL Awards and All-CFL TeamsPlayer compensation transparencyContingency planning related to inclement weatherCommunication, team guidelines, stadium operations, fan experience, etc.
EVENT DETAILS
WHAT
Commissioner’s Winter Meetings virtual availability
WHEN
Wednesday, January 14 | 12:30 – 1:15 p.m. MT/2:30 – 3:15 p.m. ET
WHERE
WHO
CFL Commissioner Stewart Johnston