CFL commissioner Ambrosie feels new deal with players provides benefits to both sides

For the first time in months, Randy Ambrosie can think solely about football.

The CFL commissioner was in a very upbeat mood Friday, and with good reason. On Thursday night, the CFL Players' Association membership ratified a seven-year labour agreement with the league, ending a lengthy, sometimes contentious negotiation that included just the second strike in league history and first since 1974.

"Just a sense of joy that now we get to look forward with our players," Ambrosie said in a telephone interview Friday. "Instead of it being across the table, now we get to sit on the same side of the table next to each other and I'm really excited about that.

The CBA must still be ratified by the CFL's board of governors. Ambrosie said Thursday night that vote would be held soon.

The new CBA certainly provides gains for the CFLPA membership, starting with a ratification bonus of roughly $2,450 per player, according to league sources. The sources spoke on the condition of anonymity as neither the CFL nor the union provided specific details of the new deal.

Clubs will also be able to rotate two nationalized Americans for up to 49 per cent of snaps. Teams can move to rotating three nationalized Americans in 2024 but the two franchises playing the most Canadians at the end of the season will receive additional second-round draft picks.

And the seven pure Canadian starters per game will remain intact throughout the term of deal, which can be reopened after five years when the CFL's broadcast agreement with TSN expires.

— The salary cap remains at $5.35 million this year and increases to $5.51 million in 2023. It will be $5.99 million in 2028.

— Minimum salaries for global, national (Canadian) and American players will be consistent.