Although anticipated, the cancellation of the 2020 season by the Canadian Football League (CFL) still proved to be no less disappointing for B.C. Lions fans.

The CFL was unable to reach an agreement with the federal government on an amended request for a $30-million interest-free loan in a bid to stage a shortened season, with Winnipeg as a hub city. Previously, the CFL had requested $44 million in July.

It’ll be the first time in a century that the Grey Cup won’t be awarded. The Grey Cup was first presented in 1909 and was suspended from 1916 to 1918 during the First World War, and then in 1919 for several reasons, including a rules disagreement.

The CFL will become one of the few pro sports leagues in North America to suspend play this year. While the NHL, NBA, and Major League Soccer resumed play, Major League Baseball will have a shortened season.

CBC News reported that CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie stated that the CFL lost around $20 million last season.

At a news conference on August 17, B.C Lions president Rick LeLacheur stated that any speculation about owner David Braley being disinterested in a shorter season is untrue.

LeLacheur explained that they wanted to play to provide players some income this year and to keep both the B.C. Lions and the CFL relevant. Nonetheless, although the 67th season of B.C. Lions football is suspended, LeLacheur said that they can focus on 2021 and beyond.

The 108th Grey Cup is scheduled to be played in Hamilton, Ontario, on November 21, 2021.

Yesterday (August 17), B.C. Health Minister Adrian Dix echoed what Canada’s chief public health officer Dr. Theresa Tam had previously stated—that the COVID-19 pandemic and health measures are expected to continue through 2020 and 2021 into 2022.