CFL commissioner says Quebec City has emerged as leading contender for expansion

CFL commissioner Stewart Johnston addressed the league’s future during Grey Cup week in Calgary, where he announced that Quebec City has emerged as a leading contender for an expansion franchise. Johnston, who took over as commissioner in April 2025, has had substantive conversations with a prospective owner in Quebec City but declined to specify a timeline for the franchise's establishment or to name the potential owner. Business and civic leaders in Quebec City are working to secure financing for a new 25,000-seat stadium, which would host the proposed team. Johnston also mentioned that the league is considering other Canadian markets for expansion but did not comment directly on Halifax. The Edmonton Elks and Montreal Alouettes are preparing for the 113th Grey Cup at McMahon Stadium on Sunday, with Edmonton making its first appearance since winning in 2015 and Montreal playing in the championship for a second consecutive year.