A new CFL ball is photographed at the Winnipeg Blue Bomber stadium in Winnipeg, Thursday, May 24, 2018. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods)
As fans gather in Winnipeg for the Grey Cup between Montreal and Saskatchewan on Sunday, the CFL is preparing to introduce new rule and field dimension changes over the next two seasons.
It’s an effort to modernize the game and attract new fans without alienating its loyal base.
But according to new data from the Angus Reid Institute, only 16 percent of Canadians now follow the CFL closely, down from 21 percent in 2014 and 2018. The league remains most popular among older fans, prompting adjustments aimed at boosting broader appeal.
However, many dedicated followers oppose shifting toward the American style of play. Nearly half of CFL fans — and three-quarters of its most devoted — want to preserve the game’s distinct Canadian identity.
While some casual followers are open to change, two-thirds of avid fans oppose reducing the field from 110 to 100 yards, suggesting the CFL’s modernization effort could be a delicate balancing act.
The complete results of the survey can be found at angusreid.org.
