Initial CFL return to play proposal to CFLPA includes expanded playoffs, shortened camp

Details emerged over the weekend about the Canadian Football League's initial proposal to the CFL Players' Association about a possible return to play for 2020.

According to TSN Football Insider Farhan Lalji, it includes a shortened training camp, prorated salaries, reduced time between games and expanded practice rosters.

Later Saturday, Lalji reported the two sides have also discussed a six-game shortened season with an expanded eight-team playoff format. The hope is for teams to return to their home stadiums for the playoffs with the possibility of having some fans in attendance, but that will be contingent on how the COVID-19 virus is affecting Canada at that point and time, reports Lalji.

Details emerging about @cfl initial proposal to @cflpa about a return to play for 2020. As expected, it includes:
🏈Shortened training camp
🏈Prorated salaries
🏈Reduced time between games
🏈Expanded practice rosters
All of this is based on approval from medical authorities.../

— Farhan Lalji (@FarhanLaljiTSN) July 4, 2020

...a new CBA & goverment $ assistance. League wants an agreement in place by July 23rd. PA says they’re willing to consider CBA changes & extension, but don’t believe 3 weeks is a reasonable time to do that. Would prefer to focus on 2020 getting off the ground first. @CFLonTSN

— Farhan Lalji (@FarhanLaljiTSN) July 4, 2020

On Monday, TSN Football Insider Dave Naylor reported the proposal included some games on four to five days of rest and no pension contribution from the league for 2020.

A few more points about the proposal from @CFL to players. Would involve some games on 4-5 days rest. Would mean no pension contribution from the league for 2020. #CFL

— David William Naylor (@TSNDaveNaylor) July 6, 2020

As for a 6-game season. 2 possible advantage for league. Unless, conditions allow for it, teams could not put players on 6-game injured after Week 1. So no injury salary overflow. Also, extra playoffs and shorter season potentially saves $ as game cheque’s for PO’s are less.

— David William Naylor (@TSNDaveNaylor) July 6, 2020

All of this is based on approval from medical authorities, a new collective bargaining agreement being reached and financial assistance from the Canadian government, Lalji reported Saturday.

Lalji adds the league wants an agreement in place by July 23, but the union says while they're willing to consider CBA changes and extension, they do not believe three weeks is a reasonable time to do that. Lalji reports the CFLPA would prefer to focus on 2020 getting off the ground first.

While there is still plenty up in the air, Lalji and Naylor reported on Friday 's edition of 3 Downs that there is some renewed optimism for a shortened 2020 CFL season as well as the possibility of condensing play in a centralized locale.

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