The Canadian Football League may not offer the same salaries as the NFL, but its top players can still earn significant money. At the end of the day, these players are still getting paid a professional salary for playing the sport they love. 

So, what is the average CFL salary, and how much do CFL players make in 2026? Let’s dive into the world of Canadian football salaries. 

What Is the Average CFL Salary?

The league does not officially put out a lot of salary information, but the average CFL salary in 2026 is generally estimated at between $110,000 and $140,000 CAD per season. Remember, that’s the average salary, and the discrepancy between the league’s highest-paid stars and players earning the minimum is significant. 

As with most professional sports, CFL salaries vary based on a player’s position, experience, performance, nationality and contract. Understandably, quarterbacks generally command the highest salaries, while younger players and those fighting for roster spots typically earn considerably less.

The CFL’s 2026 salary expenditure cap is $6,330,514 per team and the league operates with a hard salary cap. This means that teams cannot exceed this amount or they could face penalties such as fines or loss of draft picks. 

What Is the CFL Minimum Salary?

The CFL minimum salary is $70,000 in 2026. This amount has not changed since it increased from $65,000 in 2022 to $70,000 in 2023. The current collective bargaining agreement calls for the minimum to increase to $75,000 for the 2027 CFL season. 

So, in 2026 the lowest-paid CFL player on a standard active roster contract can earn $70,000. This is before any applicable bonuses or other financial compensation from the team or league. 

How to bet on football

  1. Log in or register at ToonieBet
  2. Navigate to the sportsbook > football.
  3. Bet on games, player props, build SGPs or bet live.

How to live bet football

  1. Navigate to the live sports page.
  2. Follow the game trackers for real-time odds and stats.

How Much Do CFL Players Make?

There is a huge range in salaries among players in the CFL. 

In 2026, the highest-paid CFL player was BC Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke. His reported salary for this season is $684,700, making it almost ten times the amount of the league minimum. Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly is the CFL’s second-highest-paid player at $625,000, followed by Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Zach Collaros at $550,000.

The highest-paid non-quarterback player in the CFL is Edmonton Elks offensive lineman Coulter Woodmansey at $300,000, while Winnipeg running back Brady Oliveira is the CFL’s highest-paid running back at $290,000 per year. 

That means the answer to “how much do CFL players make?” is a wide range. It can be as low as $70,000 or as high as nearly $700,000 in 2026.

Interested in betting on football, but not sure where to start?

This article walks you through the sportsbook, explaining odds, terms, bet types, tactics and more. Consider it your sports betting playbook.

Feature image courtesy THE CANADIAN PRESS/Rich Lam.
ToonieBet is invested in responsible gaming. Please play safe.

This content is provided for general informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute betting advice, financial advice, or a recommendation to place any wager. Odds are subject to change. Online wagering involves risk, and there is no guarantee of success or profit. For Ontario residents, participation in regulated online gaming is restricted to individuals 19 years of age or older. Please play responsibly. If gambling is no longer fun or may be causing harm, support is available through recognized gambling resources like ConnexOntario. Terms and conditions apply where applicable.