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For some Canadians, cornhole is more than just a backyard game - it's a competitive sport

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, October 22nd 2025 at 9:06 GMT by The Globe and Mail
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Cornhole: The Competitive Sport That’s Turning Canada into a North‑American League

In what was once a simple backyard pastime, the bean‑bag‑throwing game known as cornhole has evolved into a full‑blown competitive sport, drawing athletes, fans, and sponsors alike across North America. A recent feature in The Globe and Mail details how Canada is rapidly becoming a central player in the sport’s professional landscape, with a new league structure, national tournaments, and rising stars that are reshaping the game’s cultural footprint.

From Porch Games to Play‑by‑Play

The article opens by chronicling the origins of cornhole, a game that emerged in the 1970s in the United States and was traditionally played in bar patios and family gatherings. Over the past decade, the sport has been embraced by the National Cornhole League (NCL) and the newer Cornhole North America (CNA) organization, which have formalized rules, introduced standardized equipment, and launched an international tour. In Canada, these developments have sparked a surge of interest, leading to the creation of the Canadian Cornhole League (CCL) in 2023.

The Canadian Cornhole League: Structure and Vision

The CCL is described as a partnership between the Canadian Cornhole Association (CCA), a national governing body, and major Canadian sporting brands. Its mission is “to elevate cornhole to a respected, televised professional sport.” The league’s structure mirrors that of established North‑American leagues: a regular season featuring city‑based teams, playoffs, and a championship series that culminates in the Canadian Cornhole Cup. The Cup’s 2024 edition will be hosted in Toronto, a city that has already proven to be a hotbed for the sport, with the Maple Leaf Park venue hosting more than 30,000 fans during last year’s event.

Rising Stars and Team Dynamics

Central to the article’s narrative are the players themselves. Canadian competitors such as “Sasha McDonald,” a former high‑school track athlete who transitioned to cornhole after a summer of recreational play, and “Marlon “M‑G” Green,” a professional lumberjack who leveraged his precision and strength to dominate the Canadian circuit, are highlighted as the sport’s new faces. The feature offers a behind‑the‑scenes look at how these athletes prepare for high‑stakes games, blending physical conditioning with mental focus. Their stories are used to illustrate how the sport demands not only skill but also strategic thinking and teamwork.

Sponsorship and Media Coverage

The Globe and Mail article also notes the growing commercial interest in cornhole. Major Canadian beverage brands such as Molson‑Coors and A&W have begun sponsoring teams and events, while Canadian broadcasters are negotiating rights for live coverage. The CNA’s “Cornhole TV” streaming partnership with Rogers SportsNet is slated to bring real‑time commentary and fan interaction to a broader audience, positioning the sport on par with other mainstream sports such as hockey and lacrosse.

International Expansion and Governance

A recurring theme is the sport’s push for global recognition. While the NCL has historically focused on the United States, the CNA’s charter includes Canada, Mexico, and select Caribbean nations. The article’s author quotes CNA executive director Alex Rivera, who explains that the organization is working toward a “North‑American Championship Series” that will feature teams from each member country. The governing body’s standardized rules—such as the use of 6‑inch diameter bags, 12‑foot play distances, and a 4‑inch board height—ensure consistency across competitions.

The CCL’s alignment with the CCA also highlights the sport’s commitment to grassroots development. Schools and community centers in Ontario and Quebec are integrating cornhole into physical education curricula, while provincial competitions serve as talent pipelines for the national league.

Cultural Impact and Future Outlook

Finally, the article reflects on how cornhole’s rise mirrors broader cultural shifts. It notes that the sport’s inclusive nature—offering a non‑contact, low‑impact alternative to traditional ball games—has appealed to a wide demographic, including families, corporate teams, and older adults. The Globe and Mail editorial concludes that Canada’s rapid adoption and professionalization of cornhole could position the country as a hub for the sport’s future growth, both domestically and across the continent.

Key Takeaways

• Professionalization: The Canadian Cornhole League mirrors U.S. leagues, providing a structured competition format and televised coverage.
• Talent Development: Canadian athletes, formerly from unrelated sports backgrounds, have risen to prominence in the league.
• Commercial Growth: Sponsorship deals and broadcasting partnerships signal increasing marketability.
• International Scope: The CNA’s inclusion of Canada in its charter paves the way for a unified North‑American championship series.
• Community Integration: Schools and community programs are embracing cornhole, broadening its participant base.

Through a mix of grassroots enthusiasm, corporate investment, and competitive infrastructure, the sport of cornhole is moving from a casual pastime to a staple of North‑American professional sports, with Canada playing a pivotal role in that transformation.