- Canadian citizens and nationals are selected in the CFL Draft.
- Americans can join the CFL via free agency or tryouts.
- Players outside of Canada and the United States can join the CFL via free agency or the Global Draft.
CFL betting markets can shift when new players are added to rosters.
During the offseason, player acquisitions through free agency or the draft may change the Grey Cup favourite.
At the BetMGM online sportsbook, markets are available for CFL games and Grey Cup futures.
Below is a breakdown of how players become eligible to join the league, which can lead to changing each team’s football odds.
How Do You Qualify for the CFL?
There’s a different set of qualifications for the CFL depending on your citizenship or “national” status.
- To enter the CFL Draft, you must be a Canadian citizen or meet the league’s “national” status, which is living in Canada for five years or more before age 18.
- Americans cannot enter the CFL Draft; they join the league via free agency, tryouts, or being placed on the team’s negotiation list. Each team can add up to 45 players to said list.
- For global players—those not from the United States or Canada—there’s a Global Draft, or they can sign as free agents.
From there, you’ll need to play competently enough to make the 45-man active roster.
How To Be Eligible for the CFL
In addition to what was mentioned above, prospects must be at least 18 years old, have no active suspensions in other leagues, and be able to pass a physical.
Canadians hoping to enter this draft will become eligible three years after completing their first year of eligibility as a U Sports institution or their senior season in the NCAA.
How Do You Get Drafted Into the CFL?
To get drafted into the CFL, you must be a citizen or qualify under the CFL’s “national” status.
From there, players are eligible for the draft three years after completing their first year, eligibility at a U Sports program or after their senior season in the NCAA.
If you meet those marks, you must submit paperwork to ensure you meet the requirements.
During the process, players will compete in things like the U Sports East-West Bowl game and at the CFL Combine.
After that, you’ll be selected if your talent is strong enough for a team to select you.
How Do You Get to the CFL?
There are multiple paths to get to the CFL based on your origins.
- Canadian citizen or national: CFL Draft
- American citizen: Free agency, tryouts, or being placed on the negotiation list.
- Players outside Canada and the United States: Global Draft or free agency.
