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After a period of expansion and contraction (MLR once peaked at 12+ teams), the league lost 6 clubs in the off season. But 2 of those merged to form the new California Legion franchise!
As a result, MLR confirmed that the 2026 season will proceed with just six teams. Which was a surprise to many but still impressive that the league continues!
This contraction reflects financial pressures, market challenges, and a need for consolidation — but also an opportunity to reset, re-calibrate and build a more sustainable core competition. With a smaller franchise base now, a lot of rugby fans in the US have been screaming out for more homegrown players than players at the end of their careers. Can a clearer pathway be formed with college rugby having direct links to less MLR clubs, and also even a development league below like a championship etc to ease the burden on the Top division. While growing the game ahead of the 2031 RWC.
There will be 6 teams competing in MLR.
The season will use a single-table format, replacing prior conference-based models.
Each team will play 10 regular-season games: home once, away once against each other (i.e. single round-robin vs every other team).
After the regular season, top four teams qualify for the playoffs.
Semifinals: 1st seed hosts 4th seed, and 2nd seed hosts 3rd seed. Winners advance to the final (Championship).
The Championship match will crown the MLR champion. Venue/details to be announced.
10-game regular season gives a shorter, tighter calendar than previous 16-match seasons. With the league starting again Saturday 28th March with the California Legion welcoming Anthem to one of their 5 venues in the 2026 season. Great to see the new franchise opening the campaign to the world!
The league has announced a new “Sunday Night Rugby” prime time broadcast window, with matches and a playoff semifinal airing — likely an effort to stabilise viewership and media presence. However, it will have to compete with the NFL on a Sunday night. Fair play to the MLR though for having the balls to do it, and secure such a prime spot in what looked like a looming league closure.
As confirmed by recent announcements, the franchises competing in 2026 are:
Anthem Rugby Carolina
California Legion (the merged entity of San Diego & L.A.)
Chicago Hounds
New England Free Jacks
Old Glory DC
Seattle Seawolves
This core reflects a geographic spread across both coasts and key rugby markets in the U.S., which — in theory — helps maintain national reach while avoiding over-stretch.
More manageable league: fewer teams, shorter season, simpler logistics — easier to control quality and costs.
Higher stakes per match: with only 10 games, every match becomes crucial; there’s less margin for error.
Focused media exposure: “Sunday Night Rugby” prime time broadcasts may build consistent viewership and help stabilise revenue.
Stronger core franchises: consolidation could lead to more stable ownership, better finances, and healthier squads.
Less breadth for development: fewer clubs means fewer spots for players, especially in emerging rugby regions. But longer term, this could help create a development tier and a clear path from college rugby.
Fanbase shrinkage: cities that lost clubs (e.g. New Orleans, Miami, etc.) may disengage. National reach could narrow.
Competitive balance concerns: with fewer teams, disparity between strongest/weakest may increase, or dynasties may emerge.
International relevance: fewer clubs might limit MLR’s attractiveness to top international talent or diminish perceived scale.
Quality of play: Will a tighter league lead to higher-level, more consistent rugby?
Player retention & recruitment: Can MLR still attract and retain top North American and overseas talent with only six teams?
Fan engagement & attendance: Will core markets maintain or grow support, and will broadcast deals compensate for reduced local presence?
Pathway continuity: Will youth academies, grassroots clubs and emerging markets be supported despite contraction?
Financial health of franchises: Stability of the core six will be critical — if they thrive, MLR could rebuild from a stronger foundation.
MLR’s contraction to six teams might seem like a backward step. But it could also mark a needed refocus. Instead of rapid expansion and instability, MLR is returning to sustainability, concentrated competition, and quality over quantity.
For U.S. rugby — and for players aiming for international selection — this could be a reset:
a chance to stabilize, to build real clubs, and to deliver a product that credibly contributes to global rugby.
And for world rugby watchers:
2026 might not be about a sprawling North American league — but about a lean, sharp, serious one.
If MLR delivers on consistency, broadcast reach, and competitive quality, this format could prove a template for sustainable growth.
Maybe this will be the contradiction to the typical American saying, ‘MAYBE BIGGER ISN’T BETTER?’