The CFL Players' Association (CFLPA) released its second annual CFLPA Report Card. The Report Card presents valuable insights, provided by players, about their respective clubs to not only assist one another in making informed free agency decisions but also to contribute to raising standards for conditions across the league.
The CFLPA is dedicated to advocating for player-driven improvements in working conditions for its members, which includes ensuring a positive daily experience at team facilities, not just on game day, but every day.
The primary objectives of the CFLPA Report Cards initiative are to:
- Highlight teams that are setting positive examples;
- Identify areas where improvement is needed, and;
- Showcase best practices and workplace standards.
The CFLPA collaborated with Assistant Professor in Sport Psychology, Dr. Desmond McEwan, PhD, from the University of British Columbia to refine the survey analysis and ensure a comprehensive and impartial systematic review of all data collected.
| Club | ||||||||||
| BC | B+ | C | C- | C- | B- | B | F | C+ | C- | D+ |
| Calgary | B- | B | C+ | B | D+ | C | B | B | B- | D+ |
| Edmonton | B | C+ | C | A- | C | B | C- | A+ | C+ | B |
| Hamilton | B | A | B+ | A | B | A | B+ | A- | A | B |
| Montreal | A- | B | D+ | D+ | C | B- | B- | C+ | B- | F |
| Ottawa | C | C- | C- | B | B | D+ | C+ | B+ | C | C |
| Saskatchewan | A- | A- | B | B | B | A- | B- | A | A- | C |
| Toronto | D+ | C+ | C+ | C+ | A | A- | B | A | B- | B- |
| Winnipeg | B+ | B | B- | B+ | B+ | B | B | B | C | B |
| Average | B | B- | C+ | B- | B- | B | C+ | B+ | B- | C |
Methodology
The 78-question survey was distributed online to all players on CFL rosters (Active, Practice and IR) at the time, ensuring every eligible member had an opportunity to participate and have their voice heard. The responses were collected anonymously, and a total of 381 players shared their experiences regarding their club’s workplace environment and conditions.
Players provided evaluations based on their personal experiences with their current teams. The survey included a combination of multiple choice, rating, and open-ended questions over 10 categories, allowing players to provide detailed feedback. Scoring for each category was then averaged and normalized to translate the data into standardized letter Grades for each club These grades incorporate various aspects of workplace conditions, including the quality of team facilities and services offered to players.
Each club’s "report card" provides an overview and commentary stemming from player responses, offering a clear picture of workplace conditions as experienced by those on the 2025 rosters. This feedback represents the collective opinions of our members and serves as a valuable tool for fostering a better working environment throughout the league.
Please see below, a brief explanation of each survey category:
Coaching Staff:
Players were asked about their relationships with their head coach, coaching staff, and video staff; their team activity scheduling; and their team's adherence to CBA provisions including those relating to padded practices and practice times.
Football Operations:
Players were asked about their relationships with team management, contract negotiations, and access to necessary tools/resources needed for success.
Ownership/Business Operations:
Players were asked about their relationship with team presidents and ownership, as well as their access to resources as it pertains to off field matters, such as: housing, work permits, appearance opportunities, etc.
Facilities & Equipment:
Players were asked about overall facility conditions and if they were required to pay for any necessary football equipment including gloves, mouthguards, and cleats; if they were given appropriate helmet choice; about the condition of their issued equipment; and about the general knowledge and helpfulness/availability of their equipment staff.
Therapy and Medical Staff:
Players were asked if their club had adequate levels of medical staff; if therapy was offered at adequate times in and out of season; about their perceived quality of care; about the availability of massage and chiropractic therapy.
Strength & Conditioning:
Players were asked about the quality of their club work out programs; and about the availability and expertise of the strength and conditioning coach.
Nutrition and Diet:
Players were asked what meals their club provides and about the quality of those meals; if they were charged for those meals; about the availability of a club dietician; and about the quality, quantity, and adequacy of nutritional supplements provided.
Team Travel:
Players were asked about the quality of their club's travel arrangements; if the timing of flights allowed for adequate post-game rest and recovery; about reimbursements for any travel-related expenses.
Training Camp:
Players were asked about the quality of their housing during training camp, about the quality of their meals during training camp; was rest and recovery prioritized, and if their club adhered to CBA practice time and padded practice requirements during training camp.
Treatment of Families:
Players were asked if their club offered services and support for partners and children including assistance in sourcing housing, childcare, and medical and mental health services; and if family gameday facilities were provided.
Key Takeaways
Overall, the 2025 CFLPA Club Report Cards show meaningful progress in several areas, while also highlighting ongoing concerns that players believe still need to be addressed across the league. The following points were the most commented trends amongst the membership in 2025.
- Strength and Conditioning: Members reported continued improvements in strength and conditioning staff, programming, and available resources at many clubs.
- Nutrition and Diet: Nutrition and diet programs were viewed more positively across most teams, with better access to food, planning, and support throughout the season.
- Non-Football Services and Appearance Compensation: Members continue to raise concerns around accessibility and opportunity for non-football related services, including appearance money. These are contractually obligated items that, in some cases, are not being consistently delivered.
- Athletic Therapy Resources: Many members noted that athletic therapy departments are often understaffed and would benefit from additional resources and improved communication to properly support player health and recovery.
- Visiting Team Accommodations in Edmonton: Many members noted serious concerns with the accommodations while playing in Edmonton. This was the most commented issue from members across the 2025 Report Card survey.
Throughout the survey, we invited general comments from players. Below are quotes form each club, chosen to reflect the range of feedback provided.
BC:
"While appearances are paid, we are extremely under the market rate and not paid for travel time."
"Small meals on the plane after the game. The overall nutrition of our team is very below par and what it should be for a professional football team. This needs major improvement." "Nutrition is 99% on the players here."
"New S&C has been the biggest improvement year over year."
Calgary:
"The training room needs more therapists and AT's. The training room needs to stay open a little longer after practice is over and lifts are done."
"The Club improved their nutrition, food and amenities in the players lounge, it all came together well."
Edmonton:
"Terrible rehab planning and extremely inconsistent. Lack of useful feedback in order to progress from being injured. Lack of treatment to both injured and non injured players."
"Food before and after practice was the best it’s been in years but you have to pay for it."
"The hotel in Edmonton is unacceptable" **The accommodations in Edmonton for visiting players, was the most commented issue amongst the surveyed membership in 2025.**
Saskatchewan:
"Issues with community appearance money. Issues with multiple players." "Appearances were not offered at the rate expected, very slow."
"Great improvements in nutrition, coaching, family events, strength training, so many improvements."
"Strength and conditioning staff really leveled up"
Winnipeg:
"We wore pads almost every single day of training camp as well as had zero days off in training camp."
"They have upgraded our Travel, they have updated our eating area, they have upgraded our players lounge, they have added an additional Athletic Therapist."
"Our club provides babysitting during our home games, and post game food which is staffed after home games in our suites area."
Toronto:
"The practice field is not the best. It is city run and is not maintained very well. We sometimes have to travel further for practice sometimes over 20 minutes."
"The workout gear we are provided is poor quality and does not meet a professional football standard in my opinion, also the lack of team gear given to us causes players to spend their own money."
"The Argos have one of the best medical and therapy staff in the league!"
Hamilton:
"My club ranked highly last year and still elected to make improvements. This club is the class of the CFL and go beyond the call of duty. They even hosted thanksgiving dinner for the players AND their families."
Ottawa:
"Not given the opportunity to earn community appearance money." "Not many off season opportunities."
"Training camp in Kingston was not practical. The facility and lunch room were too far to walk to from your dorm room. The shuttles they had running were not convenient at all and not always available. That added much stress to parts of training camp that wasn’t completely necessary."
"Our equipment staff is always extremely helpful and provides to their best ability to get what players need or request and point players in the right direction. Best group by far."
Montreal:
"Family support and treatment on gameday’s is non existent and in my opinion needs the most." improvement of any category."
"Not enough trainers and attention to detail. Lack of machines that work and are up to date. Tubs are constantly broken and not at the right temperatures or maintained for an entire team to use. Training room needs a lot more work to keep professional standard."
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About the CFLPA: The Canadian Football League Players’ Association (CFLPA) is the union for professional football players in the Canadian Football League (CFL). Since 1965, the Association has worked to establish fair and reasonable working conditions while protecting the rights of all CFL players. In addition to negotiating and enforcing the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the CFLPA provides a variety of member services, builds corporate and community partnerships, and works diligently for the betterment of its membership. For the latest news regarding the CFLPA, please visit www.cflpa.com or follow us on social media @CFLPA.
For all CFLPA Media Inquiries - Contact:
Brendan Heisler | b.heisler@cflpa.com | 647-453-4848
