Schedule changes and new playoff format

[IssuesMcgee]

There are pros and cons to these changes.

Victoria Day weekend is a great start time for the season. I can't argue with more games.

The new playoff format could be exciting in theory. The standings will have to be tight from top to bottom for it to make sense.

On the other hand, having only one team left out of the playoffs is a bit lame. I don't like the idea of a 5-13 team getting in and winning. I could see the league catching flack for that. The format will also make less sense should the league get a 10th team.

I've always enjoyed Grey Cup games played in brutal weather. I believe it adds to the chaos that makes the final battle so great. Having the season end earlier makes that scenario less likely.

[Scooter McCray]

There are pros and cons to these changes.

Victoria Day weekend is a great start time for the season. I can't argue with more games.

The new playoff format could be exciting in theory. The standings will have to be tight from top to bottom for it to make sense.

On the other hand, having only one team left out of the playoffs is a bit lame. I don't like the idea of a 5-13 team getting in and winning. I could see the league catching flack for that. The format will also make less sense should the league get a 10th team.

I've always enjoyed Grey Cup games played in brutal weather. I believe it adds to the chaos that makes the final battle so great. Having the season end earlier makes that scenario less likely.

When a 10th team comes in, I would guess both the 9th and 10th place teams will be out. This leaves the top 8 in the same playoff structure. Nothing should change. But with 10 teams, and a fully balanced play each team twice in regular season the standings will be clean. No hiding in a weak division.

[shatto]

I'm not a fan of starting earlier but that is only a personal opinion. Having an extra playoff game is a money making situation but I have no argument against that. Having the CFL draft before the NFL draft is going to be a bit of a nightmare for the CFL teams as they guess at what players will end up being drafted and what players will end up signing UDFA contracts.

[TICATS SUCK !]

If the objective of Stewie was to create a play-off system that is convoluted and gimmicky, which makes the CFL look like a bush league, then it's mission accomplished. I mean, why stop at 8 teams? Why not have every team make the playoffs like house league hockey. The optics are terrible, and is just more fodder for those who view the CFL as a Mickey Mouse organization. This change, along with the other changes that are coming in 2027, is the reason why this season will be my last year following the Argos/CFL. God bless all you dedicated Argo fans who will continue to support the league. I've had enough of this tomfoolery. Rant over.

[ARGO57]

If the objective of Stewie was to create a play-off system that is convoluted and gimmicky, which makes the CFL look like a bush league, then it's mission accomplished. I mean, why stop at 8 teams? Why not have every team make the playoffs like house league hockey. The optics are terrible, and is just more fodder for those who view the CFL as a Mickey Mouse organization. This change, along with the other changes that are coming in 2027, is the reason why this season will be my last year following the Argos/CFL. God bless all you dedicated Argo fans who will continue to support the league. I've had enough of this tomfoolery. Rant over.

Most of the previously announced changes don’t bother me at all except shortening the length of the field.
The new playoff format makes no sense in a nine team league rendering the regular season largely meaningless.

[Will]

These changes are dumb.

[argolio]

Not a fan of the playoff changes, but 25+ years of league instability after the Als folded in 1987 followed by limited growth over the last 10-15 years have consequences. The CFL is chasing revenue.

[ArgoRavi]

I had an immediate negative reaction when I first heard the "8 out of 9 teams will make the playoffs" bit, but I think the changes will work out okay. The messaging from the league was awful though. What's really happening is this

"The top 2 teams in each division will automatically qualify for the playoffs with the next 4 teams, regardless of division, engaging in play-in games to see who claims the final 2 playoff spots."

Communication is everything and the league communicated this change very poorly.

[Scooter McCray]

These changes are about growing revenues and attracting more fans, as are the rule changes coming this year and next.
8 of 9 teams making post season not ideal, but seeding will remain important for home playoff dates. Regular season record will matter.
I listened to StewJo on Overdrive Tuesday afternoon and the 8 of 9 never came up. They didn't care, seemed excited about what's coming.
If these changes bring more money, better TV deal, more TV coverage, renewed fan support, interest in GTA, rest of Canada, and renewed interest for a 10th team than I am for this. The playoffs just became more difficult and intriguing. No question the 2 best teams will play for the championship in better weather. The core to what makes our game Canadian and unique hasn't changed IMO.
The stagnation of what has happened to the Argos and CFL in Toronto and Canada over the last 40 years has to end.

[ArgoRavi]

These changes are about growing revenues and attracting more fans, as are the rule changes coming this year and next.
8 of 9 teams making post season not ideal, but seeding will remain important for home playoff dates. Regular season record will matter.
I listened to StewJo on Overdrive Tuesday afternoon and the 8 of 9 never came up. They didn't care, seemed excited about what's coming.
If these changes bring more money, better TV deal, more TV coverage, renewed fan support, interest in GTA, rest of Canada, and renewed interest for a 10th team than I am for this. The playoffs just became more difficult and intriguing. No question the 2 best teams will play for the championship in better weather. The core to what makes our game Canadian and unique hasn't changed IMO.
The stagnation of what has happened to the Argos and CFL in Toronto and Canada over the last 40 years has to end.

I firmly believe the extra 4 postseason games are tied into the new TV/media rights deal that will soon be announced. Also, if they can even add one more team, it would make the new playoff format more palatable to many; having said that, I have been waiting decades for this and am not holding my breath.