MINOR LEAGUE

Introducing the expansion of

ACL Minor League Club Teams 

ACL MINOR LEAGUE TEAMS

WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT?

ACL Minor League Teams operate within a club-based model at the state level, giving players the opportunity to compete as part of a team while providing clubs with a clear, scalable framework to grow their programs. The expanded model now allows for unlimited teams within each state, supporting both Open Division teams and developmental teams, and ensuring participation opportunities for players at multiple stages of their cornhole journey.

Teams represent their local clubs, earn points together throughout the season, and advance to State Championships, with top teams earning the opportunity to represent their state at the ACL World Championships. For players, Minor League Teams deliver meaningful team competition, consistency across events, and a clear progression beyond individual brackets. For clubs and organizers, the program supports sustainable growth through flexible team structures, player development, local rivalries, and sponsorship opportunities—all without reliance on Pro Team affiliation. Whether you’re joining a roster or building one, ACL Minor League Teams provide an inclusive, team-driven pathway to compete, develop, and advance together at both the state and national levels.

SEASON DETAILS + FORMAT:

  • 2025-2026 Season details will be available by October 1, 2025.

 

 

FAQ'S

How many teams can a State have?

  • Unlimited teams per State.
  • Each Club may host up to 2 Teams
    • Open Team (Per Player CPI 0-12)
    • Rec/Comp Team (Per Player CPI 0-7.25)

How many players are allowed on a team?

  • Minimum: 5 Players
  • Maximum: 10 Players

Who is eligible to play on a Minor League Club Team?

  • All players must be ACL Platinum Members.
  • Top 100 Pros (drafted or declined) are not eligible.
  • Undrafted Pros & non-Top 100 Pros are eligible.
  • Players MUST reside and compete within the same state.
  • Teams may recruit players from local clubs within the state.

Can players also be team managers?

  • Yes, players may serve as team managers.

Can a player leave one team and join another?

  • Players who voluntarily leave a team may not join another team during the same season.
  • Dropped players may be picked up by another team before the roster deadline.

What are the roster submission requirements?

  • All teams must submit their roster using the official Team Organizational Spreadsheet.
  • Roster submission deadline may vary by state (reach out to State Director or State Minor League Representative).

Can we customize our Minor League Teams jerseys?

  • Official jersey submission and vendor details will be provided to teams.
 

What competition formats are used?

  • Each team match consists of 5 players competing across:
    • Singles
    • Doubles
    • Tandem
  • Formats follow the Minor League Team Points System.

How do teams earn points?

  • Teams earn State Team Points at ACL Regional Events or designated standalone State Team events.
  • Points count only toward team standings (not individual rankings).
  • State Championships determine final seeding and titles.
  • Up to 100 points (Round Robin) and up to 300 points (Single Elimination), per the official points system.

Will Minor League Teams have conferences similar to Pro Teams?

  • No. Standings are not broken up by conferences and divisions — all teams are in one division.

How do teams qualify for the ACL World Championships?

  • State Champion Teams earn automatic entry into the ACL World Championships State Team Main Bracket.
  • Teams that do not qualify for the main bracket may enter the Challenger Bracket.

What are the World Championships entry fees?

  • Main Bracket (State Championship Qualification):
    • $750 – Open Team
    • $500 – Rec Team
    • $1,000 – Open + Rec Team bundle
  • Challenger Bracket:
    • $250 per team

How are Minor League Club seasons structured?

Each state selects one of three official pathways, chosen by the State Director or State Minor League Representative:

  1. State Series (Full Season) – 6 events
  2. Tri-Series (Mid-Season) – 3 events
  3. State Showdown (Championship Only) – 1 State Championship event

Is there a standard for what a player/team "contract" should look like?

  • No. Not for the first season, but ACL will assist with disputes this season and re-evaluate after the season.

How do I join or create a Minor League Club team?

  • If you want to join an existing State Team or create a new team, please contact:

Athena Delgado
National Director of Engagement
📧 athena@iplaycornhole.com

When is the deadline to submit a Minor League Team?

  • The deadline is set by your State Director or State Minor League Representative.