A recent survey conducted by the Angus Reid Institute indicates a decline in overall interest in the CFL as the league gears up to implement various rule and field modifications. The study reveals that the percentage of Canadians closely or very closely following the CFL has decreased from 21% in 2014 and 2018 to 16% in 2025.
The survey, conducted online from October 7-11, coincided with the upcoming Grey Cup matchup between the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Montreal Alouettes in Winnipeg. Enthusiasts who closely track the league predominantly support maintaining the CFL’s distinctiveness from the American football model.
Conversely, the opinions of less-engaged fans varied, with 61% of those not closely following and 53% of casual followers uncertain or leaning towards aligning more with the NFL, compared to 46% of ardent fans.
The CFL recently announced rule changes, effective next season, which include abolishing the ability to win games with a rouge and implementing a 35-second automatic reset on the play clock. Additionally, team benches will be relocated to opposite sides of the field for easier substitutions.
The most significant alterations are set for 2027, with CFL fields being shortened to 100 yards, end zones reduced to 15 yards, and goalposts moved to the back of the end zone from the goal line. The poll revealed that two-thirds of devoted fans opposed the field adjustments, while half of casual followers disagreed.
B.C. Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke criticized the new rules, labeling them as “garbage” and expressing discontent over the lack of player consultation. In contrast, Hamilton Tiger-Cats quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell endorsed the changes, emphasizing the need to modernize the game without losing its unique CFL characteristics.
Montreal Alouettes linebacker Tyrice Beverette acknowledged the upcoming changes but emphasized his focus on playing regardless of the alterations. Saskatchewan Roughriders linebacker Jameer Thurman welcomed the modifications, highlighting that the core elements of Canadian football, such as 12 players, three downs, and a wider field, remain intact.
The Canadian Research Insights Council noted that online surveys, like the one conducted, do not carry a margin of error due to their non-random sampling methodology.