The Canadian Football League is pushing back the start to its 2021 season and reducing the number of games played due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The league announced Wednesday plans for a 14-game season which would start on August 5th replacing the 18-game schedule.

Commissioner Randy Ambrosie noted that in order to start the season after the August long weekend, the league needs the approval of public health officials across the country of its plans for protecting the health of players, coaches, and ultimately the fans, so a 2021 season is safe. As well the league must have permission from governments to host a significant number of fans in the stands, in a significant number of venues at the start of the season, and in the rest of the venues soon after that, so a 2021 season is financially tenable for the nine clubs.

"The CFL depends on ticket revenue more than other professional sports leagues in North America," said Ambrosie when announcing the League's Return to Play plans for the 2021 season. "Fans in the stands account for at least half of our revenue. Our clubs already stand to suffer substantial financial losses this year. Playing without fans in the stands would dramatically increase those losses."

The league will announce a revised schedule in the next few days.

The Grey Cup has been rescheduled to December 12th in Hamilton.


photo courtesy Winnipeg Blue Bombers