CFL, Players Ratify 3-year Collective Bargaining Agreement

TORONTO (AP) — The Canadian Football League and its players have ratified a three-year collective bargaining agreement.

The league and the CFL Players' Association confirmed the deal in a joint press release Wednesday. The sides came to terms on a tentative agreement May 15 and signed a memorandum of agreement Saturday, a day before training camps opened.

The memorandum of agreement was finalized after reports that a tentative deal between the two sides had fallen apart.

"Our new agreement speaks to positive growth for our League and a renewed investment in our players," CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie said in a statement. "We have an exciting future ahead of us and people around the world will see us build it together. I want to thank our players, teams and fans for their patience and let them know that I share their enthusiasm for the start of football season."

CFLPA President Jeff Keeping also released a statement.

"I would like to thank all CFL players for their commitment and diligence as we worked together toward a fair agreement. I would also like to thank the fans for their support and understanding throughout this process," Keeping. "This new agreement moves us forward as partners in the future of the game."