The CFL and CFLPA have ratified a new three-year CBA, with the "bridge deal" running through the '21 season, according to Dan Barnes of POSTMEDIA NEWS. The players "changed the way they negotiated, so the outcome was bound to be different" than in '14, when they "went into camp without an agreement and settled for a deal that proved a lingering disappointment." This time, the union was "more organized and prepared to come away with specific concessions from the league, such as the absolute must-haves on player safety and injury rehabilitation, as well as revenue sharing." Their bargaining committee was "backstopped by a more-informed membership." When it "appeared negotiations were bogging down in April, the CFLPA leadership called a strike vote and was rewarded with a stunning 97% mandate." Though concessions "came from both sides," the CBA's "salient details support a win by the players." However, the league "still managed to control costs; the salary cap is guaranteed to rise" just C$50,000 per year and will "rise incrementally more if there is revenue to share." But before this deal expires, there will "likely be a franchise sale in Montreal," so the league's "financial picture could change dramatically" (POSTMEDIA NEWS, 5/23).
