The Hamilton Tiger-Cats, one of the top-performing teams in the CFL last season, have been recognized as the league’s premier franchise in terms of their off-field operations. Finishing at the top of the East Division in 2025, Hamilton was awarded five As and five Bs in the CFL Players’ Association’s annual team report cards, which were published on Wednesday.
The highest grades were given for football operations, facilities/equipment, strength and conditioning, team travel, and training camp, while coaching staff, ownership/business operations, therapy/medical staff, nutrition/diet, and treatment of families received B grades.
A player, speaking anonymously, praised the Ticats, stating, “My club was highly ranked last year but still chose to make enhancements. This organization stands out in the CFL and goes above and beyond expectations. They even organized a Thanksgiving dinner for players and their families.”
The Grey Cup champion Saskatchewan Roughriders also received five As for coaching staff, football operations, strength and conditioning, team travel, and training camp. They received Bs in all categories except treatment of families, where they received a C grade, and were criticized for their community appearances.
The CFLPA distributed a survey with 78 questions to all players on CFL rosters, with 381 players sharing their feedback. The survey covered various aspects of workplace conditions, including team facilities and services. Last year, 495 players participated in the evaluation.
Montreal and B.C. were the only teams to receive an F grade. The B.C. Lions were criticized for their nutrition/diet program, while the Montreal Alouettes received low marks for their treatment of families.
The Edmonton Elks, who had received two Fs in the previous evaluation, improved to C-minus and C-plus grades this time. They received As for facilities and team travel but faced criticism for their rehab planning and accommodations for visiting players in Edmonton.
The NFL Players’ Association released its first surveys in 2023. Montreal and the Toronto Argonauts received As in various categories, while the Calgary Stampeders and Ottawa Redblacks were among the teams receiving D grades for different aspects of their operations.
The CFLPA collaborated with Dr. Desmond McEwen from the University of British Columbia to conduct the survey, aiming to highlight positive examples and areas needing improvement within CFL teams. This initiative follows the NFL Players’ Association’s release of team report cards in 2023.