The Unofficial 9: A Deep Dive Into The Current Canada Football League (CFL) Teams And Their Fiercest Rivalries
Contents
The Canadian Football League (CFL) Profile: Structure and Key Facts
The Canadian Football League is the second-oldest gridiron football league in North America, with its roots tracing back to the early 20th century, culminating in the formal establishment of the CFL in 1958.- Established: 1958 (following the merger of the Interprovincial Rugby Football Union and the Western Interprovincial Football Union).
- Number of Current Teams (2025): 9.
- Divisions: Two—East Division and West Division.
- Championship Trophy: The Grey Cup, first awarded in 1909.
- Season Structure: A typical 18-game regular season, followed by the Division Semi-Finals, Division Finals, and the Grey Cup.
- Key Rule Differences (from NFL): 12 players per side, three downs instead of four, a larger field (110 yards long, 65 yards wide), and the "rouge" or single point.
- Current Expansion Status: Actively exploring ownership interest for a future franchise, with Halifax (potential "Atlantic Schooners") being the most discussed location.
The West Division: Powerhouses of the Prairie and Pacific
The West Division is currently composed of five teams, making it the slightly larger and often perceived as the more challenging division in the CFL. The rivalries are intense, particularly among the "Prairie teams" of Winnipeg, Saskatchewan, and Calgary.1. Winnipeg Blue Bombers (Winnipeg, Manitoba)
The Blue Bombers are one of the league’s most storied franchises, known for their passionate fan base, affectionately called the "Bomber faithful." They have been a dominant force in recent years, consistently competing for the Grey Cup. Their rivalry with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, known as the "Banjo Bowl," is one of the most intense in all of Canadian sports. The team plays its home games at Princess Auto Stadium.2. Saskatchewan Roughriders (Regina, Saskatchewan)
The "Riders" are arguably the most iconic franchise in the CFL, representing the entire province of Saskatchewan. Their fan base is legendary for its dedication and travel, making Mosaic Stadium one of the loudest venues in the league. The green and white are synonymous with Canadian football.3. BC Lions (Vancouver, British Columbia)
Representing the West Coast, the BC Lions have a long and decorated history. Playing in the massive BC Place stadium, they are the only CFL team in British Columbia and draw fans from across the province. They have been a consistent contender, often battling the Alberta teams in the Division Playoffs.4. Calgary Stampeders (Calgary, Alberta)
The Stampeders are a model of consistency in the CFL, frequently boasting winning records and deep playoff runs. Based in the heart of the "Stampede City," the team plays at McMahon Stadium. Their rivalry with the Edmonton Elks is the famous "Battle of Alberta," a clash of provincial pride.5. Edmonton Elks (Edmonton, Alberta)
Formerly known as the Eskimos, the Edmonton Elks have one of the most successful histories in the league, including a record five consecutive Grey Cup championships from 1978 to 1982. The team's recent name change reflects a modern era, but their legacy of excellence at Commonwealth Stadium remains.The East Division: Historic Rivalries and Urban Centers
The East Division features four teams, primarily concentrated in the highly populated provinces of Ontario and Quebec. This division includes the league's three largest media markets: Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa.6. Toronto Argonauts (Toronto, Ontario)
The "Argos" are the oldest professional football team in North America, tracing their history back to 1873. They hold the record for the most Grey Cup championships, cementing their status as a dynasty in the league's history. Playing at BMO Field, they are the face of Canadian football in the country's largest city.7. Hamilton Tiger-Cats (Hamilton, Ontario)
The "Ti-Cats" have one of the most passionate fan bases in the East, and their rivalry with the Toronto Argonauts is the fiercest in the division, often called the "Battle of the QEW" (referencing the highway connecting the two cities). They play at Tim Hortons Field, a modern stadium that provides an electric atmosphere.8. Montreal Alouettes (Montreal, Quebec)
The Alouettes have a history marked by periods of dominance and temporary dissolution, but the current iteration is strong and represents the French-speaking heartland of Quebec. Playing at Percival Molson Memorial Stadium, the team has been a perennial contender, especially during the early 2000s.9. Ottawa Redblacks (Ottawa, Ontario)
The Redblacks are the newest franchise in the CFL, having joined the league in 2014. Despite their short history, they quickly found success, winning the Grey Cup in 2016. They play at TD Place Stadium and have successfully reignited the tradition of football in Canada's capital city, following previous Ottawa franchises like the Rough Riders and Renegades.The Future of the CFL: Expansion and Innovation
The conversation around the CFL is constantly evolving, with a focus on growing the game and securing its financial future. While the nine-team structure has proven resilient, the desire for a tenth team to balance the East and West Divisions is a recurring theme.The Halifax Dream: The Atlantic Schooners
The most persistent expansion talk revolves around bringing a team to the Maritimes, specifically Halifax, Nova Scotia. The proposed name, the "Atlantic Schooners," has been part of the CFL lexicon for decades. Commissioner Stewart Johnston has indicated that while expansion is important, it must be done correctly, ensuring a sustainable ownership group and a proper stadium solution are in place. A successful expansion would not only balance the divisions (five teams each) but also significantly increase the league’s footprint and national appeal, adding new rivalries to the existing ones like the "Labour Day Classic" matchups.The Global Game: International Scouting and Rules
To maintain its competitiveness and unique identity, the CFL has also focused on international outreach. The league has actively sought to incorporate global players, including those from Mexico and Europe, through its Global Draft initiative. This focus on international talent, combined with continuous rule adjustments (like the recent changes to enable punters to kick more freely), demonstrates a commitment to innovation while preserving the core elements of Canadian football. The Canadian Football League, with its nine teams, remains a vibrant and essential part of the Canadian sports landscape. From the Winnipeg Blue Bombers' recent success to the historic legacy of the Toronto Argonauts, each franchise contributes to a league that is defined by its unique rules, passionate fan bases, and the pursuit of the coveted Grey Cup trophy. The 2025 season promises more thrilling action as these nine teams battle for supremacy and the right to etch their names into the annals of Canadian football history.
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