B.C. Lions Open Training Camp in Kamloops

The B.C. Lions open training camp Sunday in Kamloops, British Columbia, entering head coach Buck Pierce's second season with designs on advancing further toward a Grey Cup championship after a strong playoff showing last year.

The team finished the 2025 regular season with an 11-7 record, topping the Canadian Football League in net offence at 7,743 yards, points scored with 559 and touchdowns with 59. They allowed the third-most points in the league at 499 and fell to the eventual Grey Cup champion Saskatchewan Roughriders in the Western Final.

Much of the roster that powered that performance returns intact. Quarterback Nathan Rourke, who turns 28 on May 28, signed a contract extension through 2028 after earning CFL Most Outstanding Player and top Canadian honours. He passed for 5,290 yards and 31 touchdowns while rushing for 10 more scores, though 16 interceptions remain a point of focus. "If you talk to him, he's talked about taking care of the ball a little bit more," general manager Ryan Rigmaiden said. "He's got such high standards and expectations for himself."

Running back James Butler agreed to a two-year deal, and offensive lineman Dejon Allen signed for one year. The...