The CFLPA and the CFL "reached a tentative deal" on a
new CBA, according to Tony Maraschiello of the TORONTO SUN,
who writes that "while the players essentially will get to
put a little more change in their pockets, the owners
avoided a potential player walkout." Specifics of the deal
will not officially be released until the agreement is
ratified, but the deal is "expected" to: increase the
minimum wage for players "slightly;" increase player
compensation for preseason and playoff games; increase
players' per diem; and increase "slightly" the salary cap
from C$2.1M to C$2.18M. The CFLPA "will use a C$650,000
surplus" from its medical plan to "help fund the pay
increases" (TORONTO SUN, 7/21). In Calgary, Al Ruckaber
reports that both sides agreed to a three-year contract,
though the CFLPA "had lobbied" for a two-year deal. Rosters
will increase from 37 to 39 players and there is a "league
guarantee" that the cap will rise to "at least" C$2.28M by
the third year of the contract. Minimum salary will be
increased from C$28,000-30,000 in year three (CALGARY SUN,
7/21). CFLPA President Dan Ferrone: "It's a very strong
deal for the players" (Toronto GLOBE & MAIL, 7/21).
