CFL Times Noted
Canadian Football League Schedule and Game Times Announced, All Events Listed in EDT
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The Canadian Football League is three weeks into its 2026 season, and the storylines are moving fast. The Edmonton Elks stunned the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 23-18 on June 25 to go 3-0 — their best start in years — while the unbeaten Saskatchewan Roughriders host the Toronto Argonauts on June 26 at 9:00 PM ET, according to CFL.ca.
Off the field, Commissioner Stewart Johnston has locked in a six-year, $500 million broadcast deal set to begin in 2027, and a 10th franchise is closer to reality than ever. The league is at a turning point — financially, structurally, and on the scoreboard.
Edmonton Elks and Saskatchewan Roughriders Dominate Early
Edmonton running back Justin Rankin is the player everyone is watching. He is chasing what would be the first-ever 1,000-yard rushing and 1,000-yard receiving season in CFL history. He told TSN, "I just want to win. I could care less if I have 300 all-purpose yards or zero... if we leave with a win, I'm good."
Meanwhile, the Saskatchewan Roughriders reported record gross revenue of $44.7 million CAD for 2025, per 3DownNation. The team won the Grey Cup that year. Still, they posted a net loss of $157,005 — a result of high championship costs and a game postponed due to wildfire smoke.
Chad Kelly Returns but Struggles with Turnovers
Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly has been electric — and erratic. In his first two games back from a 2024 leg injury, he threw for 869 yards total, according to The Canadian Press. But he also threw 5 interceptions. The Argonauts are 1-1.
Analyst Arash Madani put it plainly: "In a league that needs youngish quarterbacks to really emerge, the CFL needs Chad Kelly to rebound." Kelly's arm talent is clear. Whether he can protect the ball will define Toronto's season.
$500 Million Broadcast Deal Targets Younger Fans
On May 28, 2026, Commissioner Johnston announced the league's biggest-ever media deal. The six-year, $500 million agreement includes Bell Media's TSN and RDS, plus streaming platforms DAZN and YouTube, per TSN. It starts in 2027. The YouTube piece is key — it is a direct push to reach younger, cord-cutting fans who do not have cable.
Johnston took over from Randy Ambrosie in April 2025 as the league's 15th commissioner. His background is in media — he was formerly president of TSN. The broadcast deal is the clearest sign yet of where he wants to take the league.
Quebec City Emerges as Frontrunner for 10th CFL Franchise
Halifax was long seen as the most likely home for a 10th CFL team. But slow stadium progress in the Maritimes has shifted attention to Quebec City. A $350 million, 25,000-seat outdoor stadium is proposed for the site of the old Colisée arena, according to Daily Hive. Talks between the CFL and local business leaders have been going on for over a year.
Johnston has been clear about his approach to expansion. "We want that interested group with the financial wherewithal to pull us into a community because they've done the work," he told 3DownNation. A new playoff format — where 8 of 9 teams qualify — is already set for 2027, seen as a placeholder until a 10th team restores competitive balance. The 2026 Grey Cup is set for Calgary on November 15.
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