Hamilton Tiger-Cats Excel in CFLPA Team Report Cards

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have been recognized as the top franchise off the field in the Canadian Football League (CFL) according to the CFL Players’ Association’s (CFLPA) second annual team report cards. Released on January 7, 2026, the report highlighted the Tiger-Cats’ exceptional performance, with the team receiving five A grades and five B grades across various categories.

The report cards evaluated aspects such as football operations, facilities and equipment, strength and conditioning, team travel, and training camp, all of which earned an A grade. The B grades were awarded for coaching staff, ownership and business operations, therapy and medical staff, nutrition and diet, and treatment of families. A player anonymously commented on the organization’s commitment, stating, “This club is the class of the CFL and goes beyond the call of duty. They even hosted Thanksgiving dinner for the players and their families.”

Saskatchewan Roughriders and Other Teams’ Performance

The Grey Cup champion Saskatchewan Roughriders matched the Tiger-Cats’ success with five A grades, specifically in coaching staff, football operations, strength and conditioning, team travel, and training camp. However, they received a C grade for their treatment of families and faced criticism regarding their community engagement efforts. One player noted, “Issues with community appearance money. Appearances were not offered at the rate expected, very slow.”

The CFLPA conducted a survey among players on all CFL rosters, with 381 players participating. This year’s survey consisted of 78 questions, compared to 58 questions last year, and included multiple choice, rating, and open-ended questions. The scores reflected various aspects of workplace conditions, including the quality of team facilities and services.

Only two teams received failing grades: the B.C. Lions and the Montreal Alouettes. The Lions earned an F for their nutrition and diet, with a player stating, “The overall nutrition of our team is very below par and what it should be for a professional football team. This needs major improvement.” Meanwhile, the Alouettes received an F for treatment of families, with one player commenting, “Family support and treatment on gameday is non-existent and in my opinion needs the most improvement of any category.”

Edmonton Elks and Other Notable Grades

The Edmonton Elks showed improvement compared to last year’s performance, which saw them receiving two Fs. This year, they earned a C-minus for nutrition and diet and a C-plus for training camp, along with two A grades: A-minus for facilities and A-plus for team travel. Despite this progress, players expressed concerns about the team’s rehabilitation planning and inconsistent treatment for injuries. One player remarked, “Terrible rehab planning and extremely inconsistent,” highlighting the need for better feedback and support.

Other teams that received notable grades included the Montreal Alouettes, which earned an A-minus for coaching staff but scored D grades for ownership and business operations, as well as facilities and equipment. The Toronto Argonauts received an A for therapy and medical staff and team travel but also faced challenges, scoring a D for their coaching staff.

The Calgary Stampeders also encountered issues, receiving D grades for therapy and medical staff and treatment of families. A player commented on the inadequacies in the training facilities, noting, “Not enough trainers and attention to detail.”

The CFLPA collaborated with Dr. Desmond McEwen, assistant professor in sport psychology at the University of British Columbia, to develop the survey. The primary goals were to highlight teams setting positive examples and to identify areas needing improvement. This initiative follows the NFL Players’ Association, which commenced its team report cards in 2023.

As the CFL continues to evolve, the report cards serve as a critical tool for franchises to assess their operations, ensuring they provide the best possible environment for their players both on and off the field.