Ambrosie feels new deal provides benefits for all
CFL commissioner upbeat after labour agreement ratified
For the first time in months, Randy Ambrosie can think solely about football.
The Canadian Football League commissioner was in a very upbeat mood Friday, and with good reason. On Thursday night, the league’s players’ association membership ratified a seven-year labour agreement with the league, ending a lengthy, sometimes contentious negotiation that included just the second strike in league history and first since 1974.
“Just a sense of joy that now we get to look forward with our players,” Ambrosie said in a telephone interview Friday. “Instead of it being across the table, now we get to sit on the same side of the table next to each other and I’m really excited about that. We have a beautiful runway in front of us ... we’ve got an arrangement with our players that allows us to achieve maybe something we’ve never had before, which is to almost redefine ourselves in a new way, a positive way and that’s exciting.”
The collective bargaining agreement must still be ratified by the CFL’s board of governors. Ambrosie said Thursday night that vote would be held soon.
The new collective bargaining agreement certainly provides gains for the players’ association membership, starting with a ratification bonus of roughly $2,450 per player, according to league sources. The sources spoke on the condition of anonymity as neither the CFL nor the union provided specific details of the new deal.
CFL teams will also have seven Canadian starters and 21 in total on rosters this year. In 2023, that number increases to eight with one being a nationalized American — a player from the United States who has spent either five years in the CFL or at least three with the same team.
Clubs will also be able to rotate two nationalized Americans for up to 49 per cent of snaps. Teams can move to rotating three nationalized Americans in 2024 but the two franchises playing the most Canadians at the end of the season will receive additional second-round draft picks.
And the seven pure Canadian starters per game will remain intact throughout the term of deal, which can be reopened after five years when the CFL’s broadcast agreement with TSN expires. Other details include:
The salary cap remains at $5.35 million this year and increases to $5.51 million in 2023. It will be $5.99 million in 2028.
Minimum salaries for global, national and American players will be consistent. The figure will increase from $65,000 to $70,000 next year and $75,000 in 2027.
The maximum housing allowance this year will be $2,300 monthly for six months. The CFL and players’ association agree to an annual review to determine the maximum housing allowance number for next season.
Revenue-sharing plan with players involving all revenues, including from Grey Cup, to start in 2024. Revenues will be audited by the players’ association designate.
Teams can practice once a week in pads for 45 minutes during the regular season to a maximum of 12.
Medical coverage for retired players goes from three years to four immediately and to five years in 2023.