MLC 2026: Major League Cricket (MLC) has announced its much-anticipated fourth season, which will take place from June 18 to July 18, 2026. The competition will feature six teams playing 34 games, with big plans in place to keep cricket’s momentum growing across the United States.
Since its launch in 2023, MLC has brought franchise T20 cricket to American fans in the most exciting way possible. For a country where cricket is still finding its feet, the reception has been nothing short of amazing. Fans have been quick to embrace the league, showing their support and helping build a strong foundation for professional cricket in the US.
A Fast-Growing League
MLC is currently the only ICC-sanctioned franchise competition in the United States. The growth has been impressive. Last season alone, ticket sales jumped by 53%, while the league’s broadcast reached over 90 countries around the world. That surge in popularity shows just how quickly cricket is catching on in America.
A Look Back at Season Three
Season three wrapped up recently with plenty of drama and excitement. MI New York lifted their second trophy in just three years, edging past Washington Freedom, who had won the 2024 title.
Fans saw fireworks throughout the season. Eighteen team scores went past the 200-run mark, five matches ended on the very last ball, and seven different players scored centuries. Monank Patel, the current US captain, led the run charts with 478 runs, while 22-year-old Rushil Ugarkar stood out as one of the brightest new talents.
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MLC 2026 Schedule Confirmed
For 2026, the six familiar teams, Los Angeles Knight Riders, MI New York, San Francisco Unicorns, Seattle Orcas, Texas Super Kings, and Washington Freedom, will be back in action. All 34 matches are locked in between June 18 and July 18, promising a month filled with high-energy cricket.
Looking Ahead to Expansion
MLC is not stopping here. The league has its sights set on expanding to eight teams by 2027, and conversations are already underway about adding a Canadian franchise as part of its bigger North American vision.
The ambition does not stop with teams. American Cricket Enterprises, which has already invested more than $150 million into the sport, is planning for 10 international-standard venues across the US by 2030.
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CEO Johnny Grave on the League’s Rise
Reflecting on the success of season three, MLC CEO Johnny Grave expressed his excitement about how the sport has been embraced.
“Season 3 showed that demand for top-tier cricket in the U.S. is real and accelerating. MLC is winning new fans, followers, and viewers throughout the USA and around the world. We’re delivering on our promise to grow the game and build relations with commercial partners.”
He added that the next big step will be continuing to invest in infrastructure. “The next phase is further infrastructure investment. With ACE’s continued backing, our goal is to bring even more world-class cricket to fans across the country, starting with Season 4 on June 18, 2026.”
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