MLR to return to a single-table format in 2026
Major League Rugby will return to a single-table format for the 2026 season.
Each team will play 10 regular-season games, hosting and traveling to every opponent once. After the regular season, the top four teams will earn a spot in the 2026 MLR Playoffs.
Anthem Rugby Carolina, California Legion, Chicago Hounds, New England Free Jacks, Old Glory DC, and Seattle Seawolves will compete in the 2026 season, which will kick off in April. Five of the teams earned a berth in last year’s playoffs, setting the stage for another thrilling race to earn a playoff bid and dethrone the three-time defending champion Free Jacks.
In the playoffs, the No. 1 seed will host the No. 4 seed, and the No. 2 seed will host the No. 3 seed in the Semifinal Round. Winners from each Semifinal will meet in the 2026 MLR Championship, with details and location to be announced at a later date.
Fans will be able to catch all of the action live on and on-demand via ESPN+, and select matches broadcast on ESPN2.
More information about the 2026 season, including a complete schedule release, will be announced in the coming weeks.
