WINNIPEG — Winnipeg will be the hub city for the CFL’s shortened 2020 season if the league reaches several goals.

The CFL chose Winnipeg over bids from Calgary and Saskatchewan on Tuesday.

The deal still needs final approval from public health and safety officials in Manitoba.

The CFL also says it needs a new collective bargaining agreement with the CFL Players’ Association, and significant federal government support to start a 2020 season during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The CFL has set a deadline of Thursday for a new CBA.

“All three proposals – from Saskatchewan, Winnipeg and Calgary – were excellent and all three would make superb hosts,” said CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie in a statement on the league’s website.

“We look forward to returning to Saskatchewan for Grey Cup in 2022 and we remain immensely proud of the tremendous Grey Cup that Calgary hosted just a year ago.”

The CFL is now hoping to play a shortened season with games starting in September, in a single city with players and coaches in a protected “bubble” consisting of hotels, practice fields and a stadium which will host every game.

(With files from The Canadian Press and the Canadian Football League)