An anchoring device for a sports goal, such as a soccer goal, is provided as a portable bag having a pair of laterally spaced-apart weight-carrying compartments interconnected by at least one central strip of material. The central strip defines at least one opening extending between the weight-carrying compartments, and the portable bag is of a size capable of straddling a base rail of a sports goal frame such that the weight-carrying compartments are located on opposite sides of the base rail while the strip extends over the base rail. When the portable bag straddles the base rail, the opening permits a goal net to be fastened to the base rail of the goal frame between the weight-carrying compartments.