Between The Lines: Luc Mullinder weighs in on CFL’s new direction

The countdown to 2026 training camps across the Canadian Football League is officially on, but it’s the future, not the present, that has everyone talking.

The countdown to 2026 training camps across the Canadian Football League is officially on, but it’s the future, not the present, that has everyone talking.

This week, sweeping changes set for 2027 stole the spotlight from both the Canadian and Global drafts. A new season starts on the May long weekend, and an expanded playoff format, where eight of nine teams qualify, has ignited debate across the league.

On the SportsCage, Saskatchewan Roughriders analyst Luc Mullinder offered a perspective that sits squarely between optimism and concern. From a business standpoint, Mullinder sees the upside.

“They’re trying to create new revenue streams… and from that perspective, I think it’s great,” Mullinder said. “It shows the league is trying to grow.”

And from inside the locker room, he doesn’t expect much resistance.

“Coaches don’t care they’ll play anywhere as long as we can compete,” he said. “That part won’t change.”

But for traditionalists, the concern is real. The fear? That the CFL may drift too far from its identity.

“I understand people saying it Americanizes the game,” Mullinder added. “That’s a fair take.”

Still, he supports evolution, even if it comes with growing pains.

“At least the league I love is trying to develop and move forward. It’s going to be an adjustment.”

Where Mullinder does pause is with the competitive integrity late in the season. For him, the biggest risk isn’t cosmetic, it’s meaningful football in Weeks 17 and 18.

“Those games always meant something,” he said. “I’ve been on teams where it came down to the wire.”

With nearly the entire league making the playoffs, that urgency could fade.

“You’re risking teams resting players late in the year,” Mullinder warned. “And I don’t like that 89 percent of the league gets in.”

Growth versus tradition, opportunity versus urgency. That’s the balancing act now facing the CFL, and it’s a conversation that’s only just beginning.

You can hear the full conversation with Mullinder at SportsCage.com.

And that’s Between The Lines for Sheppard Realty in Regina—specializing in farm and ranch real estate in Saskatchewan. Call Harry, Justin or Devan at 352-1866.