How Many Teams Are in the CFL? 2025 Breakdown

By Sarah Miller · April 28, 2029

The Canadian Football League (CFL) currently consists of nine teams, divided into two divisions: the East Division and the West Division.

Overview of the Canadian Football League Structure

The CFL is Canada's premier professional football league, operating under distinct rules and a unique structure compared to American football leagues. With a rich history dating back to 1958, the league showcases homegrown talent and passionate fanbases across major Canadian cities.

Key Features of the CFL

Operates on a 9-team format as of the 2025 season
Teams are split into the East Division (4 teams) and West Division (5 teams)
Regular season runs from June to November
Championship game: the Grey Cup, held annually in late November
Uses a 110-yard field with 12 players per side and 3 downs

Current CFL Teams by Division

Below is a complete list of active CFL franchises, organized by division, city, stadium, and year established.

Team	Division	City	Stadium	Founded	Grey Cups Won
BC Lions	West	Vancouver, BC	BC Place	1954	6
Calgary Stampeders	West	Calgary, AB	McMahon Stadium	1945	8
Edmonton Elks	West	Edmonton, AB	Commonwealth Stadium	1949	14
Saskatchewan Roughriders	West	Saskatoon/Regina, SK	Mosaic Stadium	1910	4
Winnipeg Blue Bombers	West	Winnipeg, MB	Investors Group Field	1930	12
Hamilton Tiger-Cats	East	Hamilton, ON	Tim Hortons Field	1873	8
Toronto Argonauts	East	Toronto, ON	BMO Field	1873	18
Ottawa Redblacks	East	Ottawa, ON	TD Place Stadium	2014	1
Montreal Alouettes	East	Montreal, QC	Percival Molson Memorial Stadium	1946	7

Table data source:1, 2

The table highlights that the West Division has one more team than the East, contributing to scheduling imbalances that are managed through interdivisional play. The Toronto Argonauts lead all teams with 18 Grey Cup victories, while the Edmonton Elks and Winnipeg Blue Bombers also boast strong championship histories. The Montreal Alouettes and Ottawa Redblacks represent the league’s presence in Eastern Canada, including Quebec and the nation’s capital.

Historical Evolution of CFL Team Count

The number of teams in the CFL has fluctuated over time due to expansion, contraction, and financial challenges. While the current count stands at nine, the league has seen as many as 12 teams in past decades.

Notable Changes in Team Numbers

1980s–1990s: Expansion into the United States briefly increased the league to 12 teams, including franchises in Baltimore, Sacramento, and San Antonio
1996: U.S. expansion ended; all American teams folded or relocated
2002: Ottawa returned as the Renegades, but folded in 2006
2014: Ottawa re-entered the league as the Redblacks
2020s: No new franchises added; stable 9-team format continues

Future Expansion and Market Potential

While the CFL maintains a stable nine-team structure, discussions about future expansion persist. Cities like Atlantic Canada (e.g., Halifax), Regina (though already served by Saskatchewan), and even international markets have been considered.

Potential Expansion Candidates

Halifax, Nova Scotia: Frequently cited as a viable market due to strong university football programs and regional support
London, Ontario: Mid-sized city with infrastructure and proximity to existing teams
Arizona or Texas (U.S. return?): Unlikely in the near term, but some analysts suggest niche appeal in warm-weather markets

No official expansion plans have been announced as of 2025, but the league continues to explore growth opportunities while maintaining competitive balance.

Frequently Asked Questions About CFL Teams

How many teams are in the Canadian Football League in 2025?

As of 2025, there are nine teams in the Canadian Football League, with five in the West Division and four in the East Division.

Why does the CFL have an uneven number of teams between divisions?

The imbalance exists because the West Division has five teams and the East has four, a structure maintained since the Ottawa Redblacks joined in 2014. This affects scheduling but is managed through interlocking games.

Which CFL team has won the most Grey Cups?

The Toronto Argonauts hold the record with 18 Grey Cup championships, followed by the Edmonton Elks with 14 titles.

Are there any plans to expand the CFL to 10 teams?

As of 2025, the CFL has not announced formal expansion plans. However, Halifax and other markets remain under discussion for potential future growth.

What happened to the CFL's American teams?

Between 1993 and 1995, the CFL expanded into the U.S. with teams in cities like Baltimore, Sacramento, and Shreveport. The experiment ended in 1996 due to low attendance, financial losses, and logistical challenges.