CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie to retire

Field Level Media|published: Sun 27th October, 11:13 2024

Dec 12, 2021; Hamilton, Ontario, CAN; Canadian Football League commissioner Randy Ambrosie goes to present the Grey Cup to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers after a win over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the 108th Grey Cup football game at Tim Hortons Field. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Canadian Football League commissioner Randy Ambrosie said he plans to retire in 2025, leaving office once a successor is found.

"Working together, we have put the CFL on a much sounder foundation, with strong new owners, improved attendance, growing TV ratings, superbly fun and entertaining football, and noteworthy progress in our larger markets," the 61-year-old Winnipeg native said in a statement released Saturday.

"There is always more to be done, and I look forward to welcoming the next commissioner who will seek to take our league to even greater heights. Until that person has been chosen and is ready to take over, I will continue to work hard on behalf of the CFL. When I do step aside sometime next year, I will do so with a profound sense of achievement, satisfaction and gratitude."

His announcement came amid reports that the league's Board of Governors met recently with the topic of Ambrosie's expiring contract on the agenda. Ambrosie, formerly an offensive lineman in the league, became commissioner on July 5, 2017, and he said last year during his annual Grey Cup address that retirement wasn't on his radar.

"On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Randy for his leadership and for providing us with as much notice as possible of his intention to retire. His willingness to stay on until his successor is named will allow for a seamless and successful transition likely sometime in 2025," said Scott Banda, the board chairperson.

"Randy has shepherded the league through some very difficult challenges, including the pandemic and leadership changes at the team level. To meet those challenges and build a stronger brand with growing fandom, a new digital marketing strategy, effective ownership and leadership across the league, and rule and procedure changes that have delivered fun, fast, and entertaining football, is a positive legacy indeed. Randy has built the foundation on which the league can move to the next level."

The next commissioner will be tasked with signing a new television deal when the current contracts expire after the 2026 season, then reopening the

collective bargaining agreement with the CFL Players' Association.

--Field Level Media