C.F.L. Cancels Season as Pandemic Undermines League Finances

The league tried to find a way to play an abbreviated season starting next month with all games in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and players living in an enclosed community to reduce the risk of infection. Though the league, the players’ union and local officials were on board with the plan, the league was unable to acquire public money to help pay for the venture.

“Even with additional support, our owners and community-held teams would have had to endure significant financial losses to play in 2020,” Ambrosie said.

“Without it, the losses would be so large that they would really hamper our ability to bounce back strongly next year and beyond.”

Amid its search for financial support, the C.F.L., which was formed in 1958 and includes many former N.F.L. players, had delayed the start of its season. Because of the longer winters in Canada, the league typically starts its season in June and finishes in late November with the Grey Cup.

With the cancellation, there will be no Grey Cup winner this year for the first time since World War I.

Article source: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/18/sports/cfl-season-canceled.html