Intercounty Baseball League (IBL) announced they are now a fully professional league that will be known as the Canadian Baseball League (CBL).
After more than a century in operation, the league is making the change to reflect its surging fan base over the past three years.
A record 249,590 fans attended games throughout the 2025 season, as mentioned in a press release sent to CHCH News.
While the league is only now being recognized as fully professional, it’s no stranger to pro talent. Last season, 64 players with MLB or Minor League experience suited up across the league.
One notable player last season was former MLB All-Star and World Series champion Fernando Rodney, who pitched for the Hamilton Cardinals.
Not only is the name changing, but there will be numerous other changes for the CBL; many of which the league says will be announced in the coming weeks.
The CBL’s regular season will increase from 42 to 48 weeks, starting the second week of May 2026.
Only five teams will qualify for the playoffs, which the league says will raise the competitive stakes of the regular season. The fourth-place team will face the fifth-place team in a one-game playoff, followed by two best-of-seven series to determine the Dominico Cup champion.
The league says they will continue to carry forward the history of the IBL with research projects and the gathering of historical information.
