Stewart Johnston says Cfl Schedule 2026 deal expands 2027 reach
The CFL’s cfl schedule 2026 media plan changed sharply with a series of agreements the league called the largest rights deal in its history. The new setup with Bell Media, DAZN and YouTube reshapes where fans will find games in Canada and abroad, starting with arrangements tied to the 2027 season.
Stewart Johnston and Bell Media
Stewart Johnston called the agreements "These record-setting agreements mark a transformative moment for the CFL" and said they "reflect the deep passion of our powerful fanbase and the accelerating momentum of our league." He added that the league was aligning with Bell Media, DAZN and YouTube, saying, "Together, they will unlock new CFL audiences, deliver worldclass entertainment and put the CFL in prime position for its next era of growth."
Bell Media’s relationship with the CFL stretches back to 1986 on TSN and 1989 on RDS, and that partnership now extends again. In 2027, TSN will broadcast up to three regular-season CFL games per week for a total of 60 games, while carrying Friday Night Football and Thursday Night Football in that season.
TSN, RDS and the Grey Cup
TSN also holds six of the eight playoff games in the newly announced postseason format, plus the Grey Cup. TSN, CTV and Crave will simulcast the Grey Cup and select games, giving the league another national window for its biggest dates.
RDS will carry the full slate of Montreal Alouettes games, 25 regular-season marquee matchups, all playoff games and the Grey Cup. That keeps one team’s entire schedule and the full postseason package on the French-language side of Bell Media’s CFL coverage.
DAZN Canada on Saturday nights
DAZN Canada will exclusively feature Saturday Night Football every week at 7:00 p.m. ET throughout the regular season. The same package stretches into the first two playoff rounds, and DAZN said it will build a new team of analysts, play-by-play announcers, commentators and sideline reporters for the coverage.
DAZN will also offer FanZone live chat and dedicated fan spaces on its platform, adding a more interactive layer to the league’s international distribution. For viewers, the practical shift is straightforward: the CFL’s top games will be split across TSN, RDS, Crave and DAZN, with Saturday night locked to DAZN Canada and the Grey Cup carried across several Bell Media outlets.
