B.C. Lions Lock In Franchise Quarterback Nathan Rourke with Multi-Year Extension
The B.C. Lions have made a decisive move to secure their future, announcing on Tuesday that they have signed star quarterback Nathan Rourke to a two-year contract extension. This new deal will keep the 27-year-old signal-caller with the club through the 2028 Canadian Football League season, solidifying his role as the cornerstone of the franchise.
A Proactive Move for Long-Term Success
General Manager Ryan Rigmaiden emphasized the strategic importance of this extension, stating in the league's official press release: "We wanted to be proactive by getting this done, not only for the club, but for our fan base. Extending him through 2028 puts us in the best possible position to win, and sends the right message to his teammates, the league and B.C. Lions fans everywhere." Rourke was entering the final year of his current contract, which was originally signed in August 2024.
Rigmaiden had previously highlighted Rourke's value beyond his on-field performance, telling Postmedia: "Everybody wants to play with the best and Nathan's not only the best in the league at quarterback — I think he's the best player in the league." This sentiment underscores how Rourke's presence enhances the Lions' ability to attract top free agents, providing a significant competitive advantage as the team builds its roster.
Record-Breaking Performance Earns Extension
Nathan Rourke is coming off a spectacular 2025 season that established him as one of the CFL's premier players. The Victoria-born, Oakville-raised quarterback delivered career-best numbers, passing for an impressive 5,290 yards with 31 touchdowns through the air. Additionally, he demonstrated dual-threat capability by rushing for 564 yards and scoring 10 touchdowns on the ground.
His exceptional performance earned him both the George Reed Most Outstanding Player and Most Outstanding Canadian awards at the league's year-end ceremony. Most notably, Rourke shattered a long-standing CFL record, surpassing Russ Jackson's 1969 mark of 3,641 passing yards by a Canadian quarterback. According to reports from 3DownNation, Rourke was the highest-paid player in the CFL last season, earning $624,200.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season and Beyond
With Rourke now secured through 2028, the B.C. Lions can focus on building a championship-caliber team around their franchise quarterback. CFL free agency opens on February 10, giving the Lions an opportunity to strengthen their roster with Rourke as a key recruiting tool.
The 2026 season presents unique scheduling challenges for the Lions. Due to B.C. Place hosting FIFA World Cup matches, the team will begin their home schedule at the Apple Bowl in Kelowna. Their first game in Kelowna is scheduled for June 27, following their regular season opener on June 13 against the Saskatchewan Roughriders. The Lions will return to B.C. Place on July 25 to face the Toronto Argonauts.
This contract extension represents more than just a financial commitment—it's a statement of intent from the B.C. Lions organization. By securing their most valuable asset for the long term, they have positioned themselves as serious contenders in the CFL for years to come, with Nathan Rourke leading the charge both on and off the field.
