New CFL commissioner Stewart Johnston says league in 'strong place'

Stewart Johnston plans to ease into his new role as CFL commissioner.

Johnston officially took office Thursday following 28 years at TSN. He'd served as the sports broadcaster's president since 2010.

"My job will be to listen," Johnston said during his introductory news conference at a Toronto hotel. "I want to hear what are the three things people think we as a league are doing wonderfully and what are the two things they think we need to improve on.

"I think it's important to ask the first question because often it's easy to go to the second. I want to hear about what everyone is excited about, I want to hear across the country what is working, what are the best practices? And from there as we execute against '25 we'll start developing our tactics and strategies for '26."

Johnston succeeds Randy Ambrosie, who had served as commissioner since July 5, 2017. The 62-year-old Winnipeg native's seven-plus-year tenure is the second-longest ever behind the late Jake Gaudaur (1968-84).

Johnston said he'd been approached about the commissioner's job previously but never felt the timing was right, until now.

"They [discussions] were brief and informal and weren't at the right time for me to continue," he said. "I'm so excited about the momentum of the league.

"The league is in a strong place."

Johnston is eager to work with the CFL Players' Association, adding he'd already met David Mackie, the union's new executive director.

"The players are the stars of our league," Johnston said. "They produce the drama and playmaking on the field.

 "I talk about entertainment and it starts there."

Unlike many of his predecessors, Johnston has the luxury of time to get acclimated with the job. Currently, all nine franchises appear to be on