As the NFL moves forward with its plans for a full 2020 season, the Canadian Football League could be headed for cancelation. Due to financial constraints during the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 CFL season is expected to be canceled.
The CFL, which was recently denied a $30 million loan request, was founded in 1958 and served as an opportunity to grow the came in Canada while providing countless athletes a chance to continue their career.
Unfortunately, it will now become the latest sports league to suspend operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
CFL to cancel 2020 season due to COVID-19 related financial problems
Problems for the Canadian Football League first started in March when the coronavirus pandemic forced the league to postpone training camp. The 2020 CFL season was set to begin on June 11 with an 18-game schedule, but the postponement put that in doubt.
At the time, commissioner Randy Ambrosie was still hopeful that games would be played when the situation improved. However, he revealed in May that the season would likely be canceled and the league’s future was in jeopardy.
The CFL is heavily dependent on generating money from stadium revenue, lacking the sponsorships and broadcasting deals the NFL benefits from. When it became clear fans couldn’t attend CFL games safely this year, the league requested a loan in an effort to host a season in a hub city.
Following the Canadian government’s decision to reject the loan request, a grim reality now awaits football in Canada.
According to CTV News, the CFL is on the verge of canceling its 2020 season due to the financial fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision comes after numerous failed efforts to land financial support to sustain operations for a shortened schedule.
According to Sportsnet, the CFL first asked the Canadian government for approximately $150 million in assistance in April. It later lowered its figure to $30 million, but the request was still denied.
CFL players who played in the NFL
Throughout its history, the Canadian Football League proved to be a source of entertainment for football fans in Canada and a proving ground for young athletes. NFL teams took notice of the talent up north and it led to many athletes getting a shot to play at the highest level.
Former NFL stars like cornerback Brandon Browner, quarterback Jeff Garcia, edge rusher Cameron Wake, wide receiver Joe Horn and Hall of Famer Warren Moon all shined in the CFL and proved they belonged with the help of the league.
We’ve also seen NFL teams sign CFL players this offseason. The Chicago Bears signed star cornerback Tre Roberson and the Los Angeles Rams signed kicker Lirim Hajrullahu.