Major League Rugby Announces 2026 Fixtures as Full Season Schedule Is Revealed

Major League Rugby (MLR) has officially released its complete 2026 season schedule, featuring 33 games among six teams over an 11-week regular season followed by a two-week playoff series. MLR returns to a single-table format with each team playing 10 matches—hosting and visiting every other club once. The top four teams will advance to the playoffs, culminating in the 2026 MLR Championship.

A highlight of this year’s broadcast offerings is the introduction of Sunday Night Rugby, a weekly primetime showcase on ESPN networks with enhanced pre- and post-match coverage.

Major League Rugby (MLR) has officially announced its full 2026 season schedule, setting the stage for another competitive year of professional rugby in North America. The new schedule confirms regular-season fixtures, key rivalry matches, and the pathway to the postseason, giving fans and clubs clarity well ahead of kickoff.

The 2026 MLR season will feature a streamlined competition format, with teams facing each other in a balanced regular season designed to maximize competitiveness and player welfare. Matches will be spread across iconic rugby venues in the United States, continuing the league’s mission to grow the sport through strong local fan engagement and national exposure.

With playoff qualification on the line, every match will carry added importance as teams battle for a top position and a place in the championship series. The release of the full schedule allows supporters to plan travel, follow their favorite teams, and mark key dates in what promises to be a fast-paced and physical 2026 campaign.

Major League Rugby continues to build momentum as a professional league, and the 2026 schedule reflects its focus on stability, quality matchups, and an improved fan experience both in stadiums and on broadcast platforms.

2026 Major League Rugby MLR Fixtures 

(All times Eastern Time; subject to change)

Week 1–2:

• Mar 28 — Anthem Rugby Carolina at California Legion, 6:00 p.m.

• Apr 3 — Old Glory DC at Seattle Seawolves, 10:30 p.m.

• Apr 4 — Chicago Hounds at Anthem Rugby Carolina, 4:00 p.m.

• Apr 4 — New England Free Jacks at California Legion, 7:00 p.m.

Sunday Night Rugby Highlights:

• Apr 12 — Sunday Night Rugby: California Legion at Chicago Hounds, 8:00 p.m.

• Apr 19 — Sunday Night Rugby: Seattle Seawolves at California Legion, 8:00 p.m.

• Apr 26 — Sunday Night Rugby: California Legion at Old Glory DC, 7:00 p.m.

• May 3 — Sunday Night Rugby: Old Glory DC at Chicago Hounds, 8:00 p.m.

• May 10 — Sunday Night Rugby: Anthem Rugby Carolina at Chicago Hounds, 8:00 p.m.

Late Season / Decision Day:

• Jun 6 — Anthem Rugby Carolina at Old Glory DC, 4:00 p.m.

• Jun 7 — Chicago Hounds at New England Free Jacks, 4:00 p.m.

• Jun 7 — Sunday Night Rugby: California Legion at Seattle Seawolves, 9:00 p.m.

For the full fixtures list and results, visit the official MLR schedule page on major league rugby.

How to Watch Major League Rugby MLR 2026

✔ ESPN+ — All 2026 regular-season and playoff matches will stream live and on demand in the U.S. on ESPN+. 
✔ ESPN2 — Select games, including some Sunday Night Rugby features and playoff semifinals, will air on ESPN2. 
✔ Sunday Night Rugby — A new weekly broadcast experience with studio analysis, pregame buildup, and postgame wrap, designed for rugby fans and newcomers alike.

International fans should check local listings or ESPN+ availability in their region