2021 CFL season pushed back, reduced to 14-game schedule

By Kevin Kelley -

The 2021 Canadian Football League (CFL) season has been pushed back and the schedule has been reduced to 14 games, the league announced on Wednesday.

Previously scheduled to begin on Thursday, June 10, the start of the CFL’s 2021 season now has a “target date” of Thursday, Aug. 5.

“I say ‘target date’ because our plans are subject to the state of COVID-19 across the country,” CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie said. “A so-called ‘third wave’ in some provinces is forcing us today to postpone the start of our regular season, which had been scheduled for June 10.”

The 2021 CFL schedule has also be reduced from 18 games to 14 games. Additionally, the CFL playoffs have been pushed back three weeks and will now begin on Sunday, Nov. 28, 2021, and will culminate with the 108th Grey Cup on Sunday, Dec. 12. The game, previously scheduled for Nov. 21, will be played at Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton, Ontario.

“We are prepared to be creative as well as prudent,” Ambrosie said. “For example, if we are unable to host fans in the East because of COVID-19, we are prepared to start play in the West, provided eastern teams can return to their home provinces, and play in front of their fans, later in the season.

“And we have contingency plans in place, should factors beyond our control delay the start of our season beyond August 5.  The bottom line is we are optimistic we will have a season in 2021, culminating in a great Grey Cup.

“Everyone who loves the CFL can help us and their communities. Please, when it is your turn, get vaccinated. And please follow your local public health guidelines on measures including wearing a mask and social distancing.

“To our players, fans and partners: thank you for your patience as well as your passion for our game. Thank you all the frontline workers out there for all they’re doing for all of us. We look forward to keeping you posted on our progress and to kicking off another great season of CFL football on August 5.”

All CFL games are televised in Canada via TSN. In the United States, fans will be able to watch every CFL game live on the ESPN networks and ESPN+. A minimum of 20 games will air on the ESPN networks, including one of the two Division Finals and the Grey Cup, while the remaining games will stream via ESPN+.

2021 CFL Team Schedules

CFL Schedules

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Please note: “Edmonton Football Team” is now their name. The Esk nicknames are retired.