Stewart Johnston, the new CFL commissioner, is set to oversee his first regular season, having replaced Randy Ambrosie six weeks prior. The Toronto native plans to visit all nine league cities by mid-July, starting with the season opener in Regina. The 2025 season features two Canadian starting quarterbacks (Nathan Rourke for B.C. Lions, Tre Ford for Edmonton Elks) and four Canadian-born head coaches, highlighting a growing Canadian presence in the league. The CFL enters the season with stability, including labor peace and a TV deal through 2026.
New CFL commissioner Stewart Johnston will be front-and-centre for start of season
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Stewart Johnston, the new CFL commissioner, is set to oversee his first regular season, having replaced Randy Ambrosie six weeks prior. The Toronto native plans to visit all nine league cities by mid-July, starting with the season opener in Regina. The 2025 season features two Canadian starting quarterbacks (Nathan Rourke for B.C. Lions, Tre Ford for Edmonton Elks) and four Canadian-born head coaches, highlighting a growing Canadian presence in the league. The CFL enters the season with stability, including labor peace and a TV deal through 2026.
- 1 2021: Tre Ford won Hec Crighton Trophy.
- 2 2022: Tre Ford selected in CFL draft; Nathan Rourke named CFL's top Canadian.
- 3 2024 season: Brady Oliveira was CFL's top Canadian and outstanding player; Justin McInnis led league in receiving yards; Eugene Lewis registered TD grabs in final eight regular-season games.
- 4 Recently (six weeks ago): Stewart Johnston replaced Randy Ambrosie as CFL commissioner.
- 5 May 19: Stewart Johnston attended B.C. Lions’ exhibition game in Langford, B.C.
- 6 May 24: Stewart Johnston attended Montreal Alouettes’ pre-season contest in Langford, B.C.
- 7 June 12: Winnipeg Blue Bombers host B.C. Lions (Zach Collaros suspended).
- 8 Mid-July: Stewart Johnston plans to visit all nine league cities.
- 9 2025 season: Begins with Stewart Johnston as commissioner; two Canadian starting QBs; four Canadian-born head coaches.
- 10 2026 season: Current TV deal with TSN runs through this season.
- New leadership for CFL
- Focus on Canadian talent
- Stable league operations
What: Stewart Johnston begins his first CFL season as commissioner.
When: Six weeks after replacing Randy Ambrosie (recently); 2025 season; by middle of next month (mid-July); May 19 (B.C. Lions exhibition game); May 24 (Montreal Alouettes pre-season game); Thursday (season opener); Friday (Montreal vs Toronto); Saturday (Hamilton vs Calgary, B.C. vs Edmonton); June 12 (Winnipeg hosts B.C.).
Where: Canada (CFL cities: Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, Hamilton, Winnipeg, Quebec City, Halifax, Regina, Langford B.C., Victoria, Niagara Falls Ont., North Bay Ont., Port Moody B.C., Lethbridge Alta., Pierrefonds Que., Waterloo).
Why: Johnston is the new commissioner and is embarking on a tour to connect with the league. The article highlights the positive state of the CFL and the increasing Canadian talent.
How: Johnston will travel to all nine league cities. The CFL season is starting.