Bocce needs a
Babe Ruth.

48 players will be rostered for the first season of the Chicago Bocce League. Of those 48 players, some will be stars, some will be role players, and all will be a part of bocce history. Who’s to say this won’t be the beginning of something great for you?

Be a star.

Silhouette of a bocce player with the letters 'CBL' and four stars in red on a light blue background.

Player FAQs

  • Beyond the prizes for winning teams, this first season of the CBL is an opportunity to establish yourself as a name in bocce and a player who is worth one of these valuable roster spots moving forward. There will be fresh eyeballs on this first season of CBL, so even established tournament players would do well to earn the respect of the uninitiated, from which future opportunities may arise.

    The CBL will evolve in the seasons and years to come. If you want a career as a professional bocce player one day, this is your place to start. Be a part of bocce history.

  • Fill out the form below.

  • I suppose not. Teams will play one match per week (usually TH,FR, or SAT) at the Chicago Bocce Club. We ask that you provide an idea of your availability to compete each week when you declare for the draft. Teams have a limited number of roster spots but are free to draft whomever they would like to.

    NOTE: Players must be present on site at the Chicago Bocce Club for at least 2 regular season matches to be eligible for playoff roster.

  • Nope.

  • In 2025, franchises will not be required to directly pay players. Prize money will be awarded to winning franchises at the end of the season. At that point, it is up to the franchise owners to distribute the prize money as they see fit. Franchises will also have other revenue sources, such as sponsorships, that they are welcome to distribute as they would like to. As bankrolls increase over time, minimum salaries will eventually be instituted and CBL players, especially those that are high-performing, will see their negotiating power increase.

    Happy players, happy team.

  • To an extent… Franchises are allowed to sign a deal with up to one player before the draft. That player is considered the “Franchise Foundation” and essentially acts as that team’s first round draft pick.

    Beyond that, if you are drafted, the franchise that drafts you controls your rights for the first season. If you don’t want to play for that franchise, you can always elect not to play that season. However, if you do so, teams will take note and perhaps not be willing to risk wasting a draft pick on you the next season. If you elect to exercise this right post-draft, the franchise that drafted you also has the option to trade you if they decide to go that route.

  • Franchise Foundation Player Signing Deadline - TBD
    Player Draft Eligibility Deadline - TBD
    Draft - TBD
    Media Days - TBD

    Regular Season TBD

    Playoff Week TBD
    Tues : 1st Rd Best of 3 (1 match)
    Wed : 1st Rd Best of 3 (1 match)
    Thurs : Quarters Best of 5 (1 match)
    Fri : Quarters Best of 5 (1 match)
    Sat : Semis Best of 5 (2 matches)
    Sun : Finals Best of 7 (1 match)

CBL Draft Registration