Major League Rugby (MLR)

Major League Rugby (MLR) is a professional rugby union competition in North America, serving as the top-level league for the sport in the United States and Canada. Founded in 2017, the league began play in 2018 with seven teams and has since expanded, aiming to grow the sport's profile and develop domestic talent for the United States and Canada national teams. It operates as a single entity, with World Rugby providing sanctioning and strategic support.

History

The league's formation was announced in 2017 by a group of investors, including Dean Howes, a former executive with the National Hockey League's St. Louis Blues. The inaugural 2018 season featured seven teams, including the champion Seattle Seawolves. Early years saw instability, with the Austin Gilgronis and Los Angeles Giltinis removed by the league in 2022 following sanctions from World Rugby. The competition has expanded strategically, adding franchises in markets like Chicago and Miami, while forming a partnership with Super Rugby Americas to enhance cross-hemisphere competition. Key figures in its development have included commissioner George Killebrew and former USA Rugby CEO Bob Latham.

Teams

For the 2024 season, the league comprises twelve teams across the United States and Canada. The Eastern Conference includes the New England Free Jacks, Rugby New York, Rugby ATL, Toronto Arrows, Old Glory DC, and the Miami Sharks. The Western Conference features the Seattle Seawolves, San Diego Legion, Houston SaberCats, Utah Warriors, Dallas Jackals, and Chicago Hounds. Each club operates under the single-entity structure, with ownership groups featuring notable figures from sports and business, such as Phil Mickelson and Stephen Jones. The Toronto Arrows remain the sole Canadian representative following the departure of the Vancouver Seawolves.

Competition format

The regular season typically runs from March to July, with each team playing a 16-match schedule. The league uses a conference system, with teams in the Eastern and Western Conferences primarily playing intra-conference matches. The top three teams from each conference advance to the playoffs, culminating in the MLR Championship final. Standings are determined by a points system awarding four for a win and bonus points for scoring four or more tries or losing by seven or fewer points. Player acquisition is governed by a salary cap and includes international slots for talent from nations like South Africa, New Zealand, and Argentina.

Media coverage

Domestic broadcast rights are held by Fox Sports, with matches airing on Fox Sports 2 and streaming on The Rugby Network. International coverage includes partnerships with TSN in Canada, Sky Sport in New Zealand, and Stan Sport in Australia. The league has also secured digital streaming agreements with ESPN+ and DAZN in various regions. Major sponsors have included Canon Inc., Serevi, and Palantir Technologies, while the official match ball is supplied by Rhino Rugby.

See also

* Rugby union in the United States * Super Rugby Americas * World Rugby * USA Rugby * Rugby Canada

Category:Rugby union competitions in the United States Category:Rugby union competitions in Canada Category:Major League Rugby Category:Professional sports leagues in the United States Category:Professional sports leagues in Canada