The 2024 CFL season was the 70th

season A season is a division of the year based on changes in weather, ecology, and the number of daylight hours in a given region. On Earth, seasons are the result of the axial parallelism of Earth's axial tilt, tilted orbit around the Sun. In temperat ...

of modern professional

Canadian football Canadian football, or simply football, is a Sports in Canada, sport in Canada in which two teams of 12 players each compete on a field long and wide, attempting to advance a Ball (gridiron football), pointed oval-shaped ball into the opposi ...

. Officially, it was the 66th season of the

Canadian Football League The Canadian Football League (CFL; , LCF) is a Professional gridiron football, professional Canadian football league in Canada. It comprises nine teams divided into two divisions, with four teams in the East Division (CFL), East Division and f ...

Vancouver Vancouver is a major city in Western Canada, located in the Lower Mainland region of British Columbia. As the List of cities in British Columbia, most populous city in the province, the 2021 Canadian census recorded 662,248 people in the cit ...

hosted the

111th Grey Cup The 111th Grey Cup was played to decide the Canadian Football League (CFL) championship for the 2024 CFL season, 2024 season. The game was played on November 17, 2024, at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, British Columbia. The Toronto Argonauts defea ...

on November 17, 2024. The regular season started on June 6 and ended on October 26, with 18 games played per team over 21 weeks.

CFL news in 2024

Salary cap

According to the new collective bargaining agreement, the 2024

salary cap In professional sports, a salary cap (or wage cap) is an agreement or rule that places a limit on the amount of money that a team can spend on players' salaries. It exists as a per-player limit or a total limit for the team's roster, or both. Seve ...

was at least $5,525,000 (or $124,111 per active roster spot) plus an unlimited non-football-related services (marketing fund) with a minimum spend of $110,000 per club. With the unlimited marketing fund, most teams spent $12–14 million on football operations in 2023 with the majority of that on player costs. This was the first league year that players began to receive revenue sharing, which was set at 25% this season (or a cap increase of 2.78% for every dollar increase). The salary cap is announced in late April every year as well as fines/luxury tax from the previous season. On April 19, 2024, the league announced that Hamilton, Winnipeg and BC paid luxury tax for exceeding the cap in 2023, but not by more than $100,000, which would have resulted in the loss of draft selections. As was the case in

2023 Catastrophic natural disasters in 2023 included the Lists of 21st-century earthquakes, 5th-deadliest earthquake of the 21st century 2023 Turkey–Syria earthquakes, striking Turkey and Syria, leaving up to 62,000 people dead; Cyclone Freddy ...

, the minimum player salary was set at $70,000.

Draft changes

Beginning this season, the two teams that had National players play the most snaps from the previous season received additional second-round draft picks in this year's draft.

Scheduling

During his commissioner's state of the league address on November 14, 2023,

Randy Ambrosie Randy Ambrosie (born March 16, 1963) is a Canadian former professional football player and executive who served as the 14th commissioner of the Canadian Football League (CFL). Ambrosie played professionally as an offensive guard for the CFL's Ca ...

confirmed that the 2024 schedule would return to a more balanced format instead of focusing on interdivisional match ups. In an 18-game schedule, western teams played 12 divisional and six interdivisional games and eastern teams played 10 divisional and eight interdivisional games in

2022 The year began with another wave in the COVID-19 pandemic, with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant, Omicron spreading rapidly and becoming the dominant variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus worldwide. Tracking a decrease in cases and deaths, 2022 saw ...

and

, but returned to playing at least two games with every opponent resulting in western teams playing 10 divisional and eight interdivisional games and eastern teams playing eight divisional and 10 interdivisional games. This was confirmed with the schedule release on December 14, 2023.

Touchdown Pacific

On November 29, 2023, the league announced that the

BC Lions The BC Lions are a professional Canadian football team based in Vancouver, British Columbia. The Lions compete in the West Division (CFL), West Division of the Canadian Football League (CFL), and play their home games at BC Place. The Lions playe ...

would be the host team for a neutral site game to be played at

Royal Athletic Park Royal Athletic Park (also known as Wilson's Group Stadium at Royal Athletic Park) is a stadium in Victoria, British Columbia, and is used for baseball, soccer, softball and football, but also hosts special events, such as the annual Great Canadi ...

Victoria Victoria most commonly refers to: * Queen Victoria (1819–1901), Queen of the United Kingdom and Empress of India * Victoria (state), a state of Australia * Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, a provincial capital * Victoria, Seychelles, the capi ...

on August 31, 2024, against the

Ottawa Redblacks The Ottawa Redblacks (officially stylized as REDBLACKS) (Canadian French, French: ) are a professional Canadian football team based in Ottawa, Ontario. The team plays in the East Division (CFL), East Division of the Canadian Football League (CFL ...

Player movement

Free agency

The 2024

free agency In professional sports, a free agent is a player or manager who is eligible to sign with other clubs or franchises; i.e., not under contract to any specific team. The term is also used in reference to a player who is under a contract at present ...

period began on February 13 at noon EST. Pending free agents and teams were able to negotiate offers for one week starting Sunday, February 4, 2024, and ending Sunday, February 11, 2024. All formal offers to a player during this time were sent to both the league and the players union and could not be rescinded.

Trade deadline

The in-season trade deadline was on October 2 at 5 pm EDT.

Regular season

Standings

Postseason

Playoff bracket

Attendance

''Ranked from highest to lowest average home attendance.''

Broadcasting

The CFL continued to be broadcast on TSN and RDS across all platforms in Canada as part of their current contract. The broadcast rights were extended through 2025. In June,

Bell Media Bell Media Inc. (Canadian French, French: ) is a Canadian media conglomerate that is the mass media subsidiary of BCE Inc. (also known as Bell Canada Enterprises, the owner of telecommunications company Bell Canada). Its operations include nati ...

announced that CTV would broadcast TSN-produced CFL coverage on

digital terrestrial television Digital terrestrial television (DTTV, DTT, or DTTB) is a technology for terrestrial television, in which television stations broadcast television content in a digital signal, digital format. Digital terrestrial television is a major technologica ...

, including a late-season package of exclusive 3 p.m. ET games beginning on September 7, continuing with playoff coverage of the East Division, and concluding with a simulcast of the 111th Grey Cup; returning the CFL to over-the-air television for the first time since

2007 2007 was designated as the International Heliophysical Year and the International Polar Year. Events January * January 1 **Bulgaria and Romania 2007 enlargement of the European Union, join the European Union, while Slovenia joins the Eur ...

. Broadcast rights for the CFL in the United States remained with

CBS Sports Network CBS Sports Network (a.k.a. CBSSN) is an American digital cable and satellite television network owned by the CBS Entertainment Group unit of Paramount Global. When it launched in 2002 as the National College Sports Network (later College Sports ...

(CBSSN) following their acquisition of the rights during the 2023 season. CBSSN's package consisted mostly of Saturday and Sunday contests during June and July, a majority of August games, and the

Labour Day Labour Day is an annual day of celebration of the labour movement and its labor rights, achievements. It has its origins in the trade union, labour union movement, specifically the Eight-hour day movement, eight-hour day movement, which advoca ...

and

Thanksgiving Day Thanksgiving is a national holiday celebrated on various dates in October and November in the United States, Canada, Saint Lucia, Liberia, and unofficially in countries like Brazil and Germany. It is also observed in the Australian territory ...

Classics. The league continued the use of its own streaming platform, CFL+, to stream the TSN broadcast to US audiences (when CBSSN is not broadcasting a game) and international audiences (all games) at no cost. The CFL also expanded on its functionality, allowing

video on demand Video on demand (VOD) is a media distribution system that allows users to access videos, television shows and films Digital distribution, digitally on request. These multimedia are accessed without a traditional video playback device and a typica ...

replay for up to 48 hours after the game and used CFL+ to broadcast most of the preseason using in-stadium video feeds and local radio play-by-play commentary.

Award winners

CFL Honour Roll

Pro Football Focus

3DownNation

2024 All-CFL team

Offence

*QB –

Bo Levi Mitchell Bo Levi Mitchell (born March 3, 1990)Official Eastern Washingto ...

, Hamilton Tiger-Cats *RB – Brady Oliveira, Winnipeg Blue Bombers *R – Justin McInnis, BC Lions *R –

Justin Hardy Justin Hardy (born December 18, 1991) is an American professional football wide receiver for the Ottawa Redblacks of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL draft. He played ...

, Ottawa Redblacks *R – Reggie Begelton, Calgary Stampeders *R –

Eugene Lewis Eugene Lewis ( 1940 - May 5, 2024) was an American political scientist. One of the leading academic authorities on the concept of political entrepreneurship, Lewis is the author of ''Public Entrepreneurship: Toward a Theory of Bureaucratic Polit ...

, Edmonton Elks *R – Tim White, Hamilton Tiger-Cats *OT – Stanley Bryant, Winnipeg Blue Bombers *OT –

Dejon Allen Dejon Allen (born May 5, 1994) is an American professional football offensive tackle for the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He is a two-time Grey Cup champion after winning with the Toronto Argonauts in 2022 and 2024. He played ...

, Toronto Argonauts *OG – Logan Ferland, Saskatchewan Roughriders *OG – Ryan Hunter, Toronto Argonauts *C – David Beard, Hamilton Tiger-Cats

Defence

*DT –

Jake Ceresna Jacob Tanner Ceresna (born July 9, 1994) is an American professional football defensive end for the Edmonton Elks of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played college football at Cortland. Ceresna has also been a member of the New York Jets ...

, Toronto Argonauts *DT – Micah Johnson, Saskatchewan Roughriders *DE –

Willie Jefferson Willie Hebert Jefferson III (born January 31, 1991) is an American professional Canadian football, football defensive end for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League (CFL). Jefferson is a three-time Grey Cup champion, winning w ...

, Winnipeg Blue Bombers *DE – Lorenzo Mauldin IV, Ottawa Redblacks *LB – Tyrice Beverette, Montreal Alouettes *LB – Nick Anderson, Edmonton Elks *CLB – C.J. Reavis, Saskatchewan Roughriders *CB – Tyrell Ford, Winnipeg Blue Bombers *CB – Marcus Sayles, Saskatchewan Roughriders *HB –

Rolan Milligan Rolan Lenard Milligan (born August 16, 1994) is an American professional football defensive back for the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played college football at UAB in 2014 and transferred to Toledo in 201 ...

, Saskatchewan Roughriders *HB – Damon Webb, Ottawa Redblacks *S – Marc-Antoine Dequoy, Montreal Alouettes

Special teams

*K – Sean Whyte, BC Lions *P – Jake Julien, Edmonton Elks *ST –

Janarion Grant Janarion Grant (born November 20, 1993) is an American professional football return specialist for the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He is a three-time Grey Cup champion after winning with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in ...

, Toronto Argonauts ''Source''

2024 Western All-CFL team

Offence

*QB –

Trevor Harris Trevor Harris (born May 31, 1986) is an American professional football quarterback for the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He was signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent in 2010. Harris has a ...

, Saskatchewan Roughriders *RB – Brady Oliveira, Winnipeg Blue Bombers *R – Justin McInnis, BC Lions *R –

Samuel Emilus Samuel Emilus (born October 25, 1997) is a Canadian professional football wide receiver for the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League (CFL). College career Emilus played college football for the UMass Minutemen from 2018 to ...

, Saskatchewan Roughriders *R – Reggie Begelton, Calgary Stampeders *R –

, Edmonton Elks *R –

Nic Demski Nic Demski (born December 14, 1993) is a Canadian football slotback for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League (CFL). Demski won the 107th and 108th Grey Cups with his hometown Blue Bombers, both times defeating the Hamilton T ...

, Winnipeg Blue Bombers *OT – Stanley Bryant, Winnipeg Blue Bombers *OT –

Martez Ivey Martez Ivey (born July 25, 1995) is an American professional football offensive tackle for the Edmonton Elks of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played college football at Florida. Ivey has also been a member of the New England Patriots, ...

, Edmonton Elks *OG – Logan Ferland, Saskatchewan Roughriders *OG – Liam Dobson, Winnipeg Blue Bombers *C –

Mark Korte Mark Korte (born August 2, 1996) is a Canadian professional football offensive lineman for the Edmonton Elks of the Canadian Football League (CFL). University career Korte played U Sports football for the Alberta Golden Bears from 2014 to 2017. ...

, Edmonton Elks

Defence

*DT – Mike Rose, Calgary Stampeders *DT – Micah Johnson, Saskatchewan Roughriders *DE – Elliott Brown, Edmonton Elks *DE –

, Winnipeg Blue Bombers *LB – Jameer Thurman, Saskatchewan Roughriders *LB – Nick Anderson, Edmonton Elks *CLB – C.J. Reavis, Saskatchewan Roughriders *CB – Tyrell Ford, Winnipeg Blue Bombers *CB – Marcus Sayles, Saskatchewan Roughriders *HB –

, Saskatchewan Roughriders *HB –

Deatrick Nichols Deatrick Nichols (born June 8, 1994) is an American professional football defensive back for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League (CFL). Nichols won the Grey Cup with the Blue Bombers in his first season in 2021. He played co ...

, Winnipeg Blue Bombers *S –

Loucheiz Purifoy Loucheiz Purifoy (born December 16, 1992) is an American professional football defensive back. Purifoy played college football for the University of Florida. He signed with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent after the 2014 NFL dra ...

, Edmonton Elks

Special teams

*K – Sean Whyte, BC Lions *P – Jake Julien, Edmonton Elks *ST –

, Saskatchewan Roughriders ''Source''

2024 Eastern All-CFL team

Offence

*QB –

Bo Levi Mitchell Bo Levi Mitchell (born March 3, 1990)Official Eastern Washingto ...

, Hamilton Tiger-Cats *RB –

Ka'Deem Carey Ka'Deem Carey (born October 30, 1992) is an American professional gridiron football, football running back for the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played college football for the Arizona Wildcats football, Ar ...

, Toronto Argonauts *R –

, Ottawa Redblacks *R – Tim White, Hamilton Tiger-Cats *R – Shemar Bridges, Hamilton Tiger-Cats *R –

Makai Polk Makai Polk (born August 4, 2001) is an American professional football wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL). He is a Grey Cup champion after winning with Toronto Argonauts in the 2024. He played college foot ...

, Toronto Argonauts *R –

Steven Dunbar Jr. Steven Dunbar Jr. (born December 19, 1995) is an American professional football wide receiver for the Edmonton Elks of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played college football at Houston. College career Dunbar started in 38 games for the H ...

, Hamilton Tiger-Cats *OT –

, Toronto Argonauts *OT – Nick Callender, Montreal Alouettes *OG – Ryan Hunter, Toronto Argonauts *OG –

Drew Desjarlais Drew Desjarlais (born April 24, 1997) is a Canadian professional football guard for the Ottawa Redblacks of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played college football at Windsor. He has also been a member of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the C ...

, Ottawa Redblacks *C – David Beard, Hamilton Tiger-Cats

Defence

*DT –

, Toronto Argonauts *DT – Michael Wakefield, Ottawa Redblacks *DE – Lorenzo Mauldin IV, Ottawa Redblacks *DE – Isaac Adeyemi-Berglund, Montreal Alouettes *LB – Tyrice Beverette, Montreal Alouettes *LB – Darnell Sankey, Montreal Alouettes *CLB –

Adarius Pickett Adarius Pickett (born September 5, 1996) is an American professional football defensive back for the Ottawa Redblacks of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played college football at UCLA. Early life His father Antoine Pickett, played mino ...

, Ottawa Redblacks *CB – Jamal Peters, Hamilton Tiger-Cats *CB –

Kabion Ento Kabion Ento (born January 3, 1996) is an American professional football defensive back for the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played college football at Colorado as a wide receiver and was signed by the Green Bay Pac ...

, Montreal Alouettes *HB – DaShaun Amos, Toronto Argonauts *HB – Damon Webb, Ottawa Redblacks *S – Marc-Antoine Dequoy, Montreal Alouettes

Special teams

*K –

Lirim Hajrullahu Lirim Hajrullahu ( ; born April 24, 1990) is a Kosovan-Canadian professional gridiron football, football placekicker for the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He is a two-time Grey Cup champion after winning with the Argona ...

, Toronto Argonauts *P –

John Haggerty John Haggerty (born October 17, 1960, Chicago) is an influential Chicago guitarist. Haggerty was a member of Naked Raygun from 1983 to 1989. Upon leaving Naked Raygun, He formed the band Pegboy with brother Joe Haggerty, Steve Saylors, and Larr ...

, Toronto Argonauts *ST –

, Toronto Argonauts ''Source''

2024 CFL Awards

Tom Pate Memorial Award Tom Pate Memorial Award, selected annually by the Canadian Football League Players' Association, is awarded to a player with outstanding sportsmanship and someone who has made a significant contribution to his team, his community and Association ...

–

Adam Bighill Adam Bighill (born October 16, 1988) is an American professional gridiron football, football linebacker who is a free agent. He most recently played for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He is a three-time Grey Cup ...

(LB),

Winnipeg Blue Bombers The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are a professional Canadian football team based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The Blue Bombers compete in the Canadian Football League (CFL) as a member club of the league's West Division (CFL), West division. They play thei ...

* Jake Gaudaur Veterans' Trophy – Jorgen Hus (LS),

Saskatchewan Roughriders The Saskatchewan Roughriders are a professional Canadian football team based in Regina, Saskatchewan. The Roughriders compete in the Canadian Football League (CFL) as a member club of the league's West Division. The Roughriders were founded in 19 ...

Commissioner's Award The Commissioner's Award is presented annually by the Commissioner of the Canadian Football League to an individual or individuals who have demonstrated dedication and made a significant contribution to Canadian Football. The award was first introd ...

– Amar Doman,

owner * Hugh Campbell Distinguished Leadership Award – Stephen Shamie, CFL legal counsel * Jane Mawby Tribute Award – Carolyn Cody,

Vice President, Business Operations & Marketing

References

{{Authority control Canadian Football League seasons 2024 in Canadian football