Canadian Football League Players Association

What Canadian Football League Players Association does

The Canadian Football League Players Association (CFLPA) is the certified collective bargaining representative and trade union for all professional football players in the Canadian Football League, founded in 1965 and headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario. The organization serves approximately 450 active players across the CFL's nine member clubs, with Solomon Elimimian serving as President (fourth term) and David Mackie as Executive Director. Its core mandate is collective bargaining, player advocacy, and the administration of player rights and benefits.

The CFLPA operates four primary product lines: the CFLPA Academy (an off-field development platform subdivided into Education, Employment, and Wellness verticals, anchored by partnerships with 8+ universities and corporate employers), the CFLPA mobile app (player-facing platform for league resources), the Group Licensing Program (GLP) that monetizes player likeness rights through partners such as Lids and Upper Deck, and the CFLPA Shop (direct-to-consumer merchandise). The union also publishes annual Club Report Cards (381 player participants in 2025) and All-Star ballots (500+ votes) as player-engagement instruments.

The CFLPA is a federally registered non-profit funded through membership dues, group licensing royalties, corporate sponsorships (including United Steelworkers, Access Storage, and Sundance Property Maintenance), and merchandise sales. Recent commercial activity has emphasized diversifying revenue beyond traditional CBA economics through academic partnerships, cross-sport licensing extensions (PVL), and employer pipeline development. In August 2025, the union publicly positioned itself on the CFL's 2027 playoff format, signaling an active regulatory stance entering the next bargaining cycle.

Name

Canadian Football League Players Association

Legal name

Canadian Football League Players Association

Website

https://cflpa.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1965

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Canadian Football League Players Association (CFLPA) is the certified collective bargaining representative for all professional football players in the nine-team CFL, founded in 1965 and headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario. It operates a player Academy, group licensing program, and mobile app serving roughly 450 active members.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Sports Players Association & Licensing

NAICS

Labor Unions and Similar Labor Organizations (81393), Professional Organizations (81392)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Professional Sport Governing Bodies & League Sanctioning Authorities (MPAKAFAE)

Keywords

• Players association services
• Collective bargaining representation
• Athlete licensing program
• Player academy education
• Professional sports union

Headquarters

HQ city

Mississauga

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: The CFLPA operates as a union representing CFL players. Revenue is generated through membership dues paid by professional football players in the Canadian Football League, with the association negotiating and enforcing the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
2. Licensing and Group Licensing Program: The CFLPA represents the collective name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights of active CFL players. Through single licensing agreements, brands can access player intellectual property including names, numbers, autographs, likenesses, and imagery for merchandise, digital experiences, marketing campaigns, and fan products. Revenue comes from licensing fees charged to partner brands.
3. Sponsorships and Partnerships: Corporate partnerships and sponsorships provide revenue through official sponsor relationships such as United Steelworkers sponsorship of Players HQ, Upper Deck trading card partnership, and various employment and education partner relationships.
4. Merchandise Sales: The CFLPA generates revenue through the online shop selling CFLPA merchandise including jerseys, shirts, and headwear featuring all CFL teams, as well as through partnerships with retailers like Upper Deck for trading cards and collectibles.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The CFLPA is the exclusive labor union and collective bargaining representative for all professional football players in the Canadian Football League, providing contract negotiation, CBA enforcement, pension and benefits administration, and a CFLPA Academy offering Education, Employment, and Wellness support. The Association additionally operates a group Licensing Program monetizing active CFL players' name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights through single licensing agreements with brands for merchandise, digital experiences, and marketing campaigns.

Product overview

The Canadian Football League Players Association (CFLPA) is a players' union for professional football players in the CFL. Rather than a unified software platform, the CFLPA offers a portfolio of member services centered around its CFLPA Academy (established 2016), which provides Education, Employment, and Wellness support through third-party partnerships. Additional offerings include a group Licensing Program for player name/image/likeness rights, the CFLPA App for member communications, an annual Club Report Cards initiative, awards programs (CFLPA All-Stars, Tom Pate Award), a Contract Advisors Registry, an e-commerce Shop, and a Member Portal. The organization operates as a membership association rather than a technology product company.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• CFLPA App A mobile application providing authorized CFLPA members with fast, effective access to confidential association information through a centralized content-sharing communication platform.
• CFLPA Academy A resource program offering three-pillar support (Education, Employment, Wellness) to CFL players through partner institutions, employers, and wellness providers to assist with life beyond football.
• CFLPA Group Licensing Program A group licensing offering enabling brands to access the collective name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights of active CFL players through single licensing agreements covering names, numbers, autographs, likenesses, and imagery for merchandise, digital experiences, marketing campaigns, and fan products.
• CFLPA Shop Online merchandise store offering CFLPA-branded products including jerseys, shirts, and headwear featuring all CFL teams, plus officially licensed trading cards and collectibles distributed through Upper Deck.
• CFLPA Member Portal Secure login portal (portal.cflpa.com) providing CFLPA members access to exclusive content, resources, and member-only association services.
• CFLPA Club Report Cards Annual survey-based report presenting CFLPA member feedback on workplace conditions across CFL teams, covering categories including coaching staff, facilities, medical services, and nutrition; the 2025 edition received responses from 381 players.
• CFL Mentorship Program Joint venture program between the CFL league office and CFLPA providing players opportunities to understand business priorities and build skills for post-football careers.
• Registered Contract Advisors Registry Public directory of CFLPA-registered contract advisors who assist CFL players with contract negotiations and career management.

Quantifiable outcome

• More than 500 ballots cast for 2025 CFLPA All-Star selections, demonstrating strong member participation.
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Shift GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 June 2026Shift Group partnership provides CFLPA members with career readiness programming, professional development resources, resume and LinkedIn optimization, interview preparation training, professional skills development, and job placement support through its employer network and job board. JR Butler, CEO and Founder of Shift Group, expressed enthusiasm about working with CFL athletes and helping them translate on-field success to professional careers.
• Université Laval - Faculty of Business Administration (FSA ULaval)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 December 2025Education partnership expanding opportunities for CFLPA members, alumni, and their families through the Faculty of Business Administration. Members receive support navigating program options, admissions, course registration with flexibility for professional football careers, recognition for academic achievement, and preferred rates on non-credit executive education courses. Expands French-language education access for Francophone membership.
• Access StorageminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 19 November 2025Sponsor of the 112th Grey Cup CFLPA Kids Camp, supporting youth engagement and community outreach during Grey Cup Festival. Event provided youth football instruction and mentorship from CFLPA members.
• United Steelworkers (USW)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 5 November 2025USW became official sponsor of the 2025 CFLPA Players' HQ during the 112th Grey Cup Festival in Winnipeg. The Players' HQ is a fan experience bringing together CFL players, alumni, and fans with autograph signings, games, giveaways, and Grey Cup trophy photo opportunities. The partnership is based on shared values of solidarity, community, and support for working people.
• Tundra Technical SolutionscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2025Tundra Technical Solutions became Official Employment Partner of the CFLPA Academy, connecting members with employment and professional development opportunities across Canada. The partnership runs from November 1, 2025, through October 31, 2026. Tundra supports players in developing resumes, interviewing skills, and professional networks.
• PVL (Pure Vita Labs)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 31 October 2025Partnership with Canadian supplement brand specializing in clean, third-party tested nutritional supplements. PVL offers athletes protein powders, hydration formulas, and performance and recovery products at exclusive discounts for CFLPA members. Includes future opportunities for member education on nutrition and potential brand ambassador roles.
• Boston College - Woods College of Advancing StudiescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 October 2025Education partnership providing CFLPA Academy members with expanded access to higher education through Woods College degree and certificate programs. Members receive tuition discounts per course and access to educational resources. The partnership also creates opportunities for member engagement with college leadership, faculty, program planning, guest lecturing, and recruiting initiatives.
• Lids Sports GroupcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 25 August 2025Licensing partnership granting Lids rights to customize team hats using CFLPA logos and active player signatures. All active CFLPA members are invited to participate, providing fans unique officially licensed merchandise options. Products available through Lids retail channels.
• Upper DeckcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorExclusive trading card partnership producing officially licensed CFL player cards and collectibles. Products include hobby packs, hobby boxes, and Game Dated Moments cards featuring authentic game-used materials. Available through Upper Deck's ePack platform and local card shops.
• Telus HealthcoreOthersProvides comprehensive Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services and wellness support to CFLPA members. Includes access to mental health resources, counseling services, health and wellness information, and the TELUS Health app for convenient support access.
• Private Housing NetworkminorOthersCoalition of over 1,000 professional real estate agents across 330 regions in North America. Assists CFLPA members with property acquisitions and sales, real estate education, home or apartment procurement, divestment of residences, and residential, commercial, or land investment opportunities.
• PaylineminorOthersForeign exchange partner assisting CFLPA members who need to convert CAD earnings to USD or other currencies for US families and off-season living expenses. Provides efficient money transfer services through online platform.
• HUB InternationalminorOthersProvides employment opportunities across various fields including sales, service broker, and employee benefits departments. Offers career opportunities leveraging member interpersonal and negotiation skills.
• Athabasca UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducation partner offering flexible online learning. CFLPA Academy members entitled to receive FREE COURSE CREDITS as a result of this partnership, supporting members' educational advancement during and after playing careers.
• Royal Roads UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducation partner offering a specialized Sport Leadership course created through collaboration with RRU's Professional and Continuing Studies. Designed specifically for CFL athletes to prepare for lives and careers after football.
• Saskatchewan PolytechniccoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducation partner providing Academy members access to the polytechnic's School of Continuing Education courses and programs through a tuition benefit program. CFLPA Academy members entitled to FREE COURSES and Career Development. Spouses also eligible for access.
• Liberty UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducation partner offering exclusive benefits including a 25% discount through LUOnline for all CFLPA Academy members and their spouses, designed to help achieve educational and professional goals with flexibility and valuable resources.
• Oregon State University EcampuscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducation partner providing exclusive tuition benefit including a tuition waiver on first class and ongoing 5% tuition scholarship on more than 90 online programs and microcredentials. One of the benefits available to CFLPA Academy members.
• Western University Continuing StudiescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducation partnership providing CFLPA Academy members, alumni, and their families with expanded educational opportunities supporting professional and personal development.
• Enriched AcademyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFinancial education and awareness company providing assistance to CFL players in managing their finances while offering career guidance. Players enhance overall financial knowledge through informative, entertaining, and engaging learning programs.
• Training DivisionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFire academy partner providing scholarships for online Basic Fire Academy programs including NFPA 1001: Firefighter Level I & II and NFPA 472: Hazmat Awareness and Operations certifications. Enables members to pursue firefighting careers in Canada, US, and internationally.
• SkillPlancoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerConstruction trades workforce development partner helping CFLPA members gain skills for careers in the unionized construction industry. Partnership with Canada's Building Trades Unions (CBTU) provides access to over 60 different skilled trades, local unions, and training centres across Canada.
• Canada's Building Trades Unions (CBTU)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership providing CFLPA members access to over 60 different skilled trades career opportunities, including access to SkillPlan's workforce development programming and local unions and training centres located in communities across Canada.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Market position

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/CFLPA
• Facebookfacebook.com/CFLPA
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/cfl-players-association
• Instagraminstagram.com/CFLPA

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles18 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Canadian Football League Players Association