The Canadian Football League is considering a significant change to its rulebook that would fundamentally alter the outcome of closely contested games. The league's rules committee has formally proposed eliminating tie games from the regular season, a move that would ensure every contest has a winner and a loser.
A Push for Definitive Outcomes
This proposal, reported on January 14, 2026, marks a potential departure from a long-standing tradition in the CFL. Unlike some other professional leagues, the CFL has historically allowed games to end in a tie if neither team scores in the overtime period. The new recommendation seeks to resolve all games with a decisive result, which could involve implementing additional overtime formats or tie-breaking procedures.
The discussion comes in the wake of a thrilling 112th Grey Cup, won by the Saskatchewan Roughriders over the Montreal Alouettes in Winnipeg on November 16, 2025. That championship game, decided by quarterback Trevor Harris and his teammates, showcased the drama of a clear victor—a feeling the league may want to replicate throughout the entire schedule.
Potential Implications for Teams and Fans
Removing the possibility of a tie would have wide-ranging effects on the sport. For coaches, in-game strategy in the final minutes of a deadlocked game would become more aggressive, as playing for a single point would no longer be an option. This could lead to more exciting, high-risk decisions for fans to witness.
Furthermore, the playoff picture would likely become clearer without the complication of tie records affecting standings. Every game would have a direct impact on a team's win-loss tally, making the race for postseason positions potentially more straightforward and intense.
What Comes Next for the Proposal?
The rules committee's suggestion is just the first step in a longer process. The proposal will need to be reviewed and approved by the CFL's board of governors before becoming official policy for an upcoming season. This allows for consideration of the specific mechanics of how to break ties, whether through extended overtime play or another method.
If adopted, this change would align the CFL more closely with the fan expectation that sporting events should have a definitive conclusion. It represents an evolution in the league's approach to competition, prioritizing decisive outcomes in the pursuit of heightened drama and clarity throughout the grueling regular season.
