CFL commissioner Stewart Johnston says Quebec City has emerged as a leading candidate for an expansion franchise.
Johnston made the comments Friday at his second state of the league address, saying the CFL has had substantive conversations with a prospective owner in the Quebec capital.
"We have been engaged with very productive conversations with a local ownership group in Quebec City," Johnston told reporters. "We are encouraged by those, and we can say that Quebec City has emerged as the leading contender for the 10th franchise in the CFL.
"There is still a lot of work to do and when there's something more to report, we'll hand it over to you (media)."
He declined to identify that person, although Quebec real estate developer William Trudel has spoken to Quebec media about his interest in a CFL expansion club.
Johnston wouldn't say if, or when, a Quebec City franchise might be up and running.
The CFL has long sought a 10th franchise, but Johnston said the league is also talking to other markets in Canada.
He declined to comment when asked directly about Halifax, which previously emerged as a potential expansion city.
Johnston is completing his second season as commissioner after taking over in April 2025 following a lengthy broadcasting career that included serving as president of TSN.
The CFL Players’ Association was also scheduled to hold its annual state of the union Friday ahead of Sunday’s Grey Cup between the Edmonton Elks and Montreal Alouettes at McMahon Stadium.
