Major League Cricket (MLC) Explained — America's T20 League
Major League Cricket is professional T20 cricket played in the United States. Learn how MLC works, which teams compete, who the owners are, and why cricket is growing rapidly in North America.
Major League Cricket (MLC) is the premier professional T20 cricket league in the United States. Launched in 2023, it is backed by American investors — many with ties to the Indian cricket ecosystem — and is sanctioned by USA Cricket and the ICC. MLC is one of the most significant steps in cricket's push to break into the lucrative North American sports market.
The teams
- MI New York — owned by the same consortium as Mumbai Indians (IPL). Plays in New York.
- Los Angeles Knight Riders — backed by the Knight Riders group (Kolkata Knight Riders owners). Plays in LA.
- Seattle Orcas — Pacific Northwest franchise based in Seattle.
- Texas Super Kings — linked to the CSK ownership group. Plays in Dallas-Fort Worth.
- San Francisco Unicorns — Bay Area franchise.
- Washington Freedom — DC-area franchise.
How MLC works — the format
MLC follows standard T20 format — 20 overs per side, with powerplay, middle-over and death-over phases identical to ICC T20 rules. Teams play a round-robin group stage, with the top teams advancing to play-offs culminating in a championship final.
Why MLC matters for cricket globally
- American TV market: A successful US cricket league opens broadcast deals with US sports networks, dramatically expanding the sport's reach and sponsor appeal beyond South Asia and the UK.
- Cricket World Cup 2024 legacy: USA hosted the ICC T20 WC 2024 group stage. MLC is helping sustain the infrastructure and fan base built during that tournament.
- IPL pipeline: MLC attracts top IPL players during their off-season, raising the quality of play and international media coverage.
- South Asian diaspora: The USA has one of the largest South Asian diaspora populations in the world — a ready-made cricket-passionate fanbase that MLC targets directly.
How to watch MLC
MLC broadcasts are available on Willow TV (the leading cricket broadcaster in North America) and on ESPN+ in the US. International fans can often catch highlights on the MLC YouTube channel and social media. Check the official MLC website for the current season's schedule and broadcast partners.
Frequently asked questions
When did Major League Cricket start?
Major League Cricket's inaugural season was in 2023, making it one of the newest major T20 franchise leagues in the world. The league had been in planning for several years but was accelerated after the ICC awarded the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup co-hosting rights to the USA.
How many teams are in MLC?
MLC launched with six franchises in 2023. The league plans controlled expansion — adding teams as fan bases and stadium infrastructure develop in new markets. This mirrors how other US sports leagues (like MLS in soccer) have grown over time.
Is MLC affiliated with the IPL?
Not officially — MLC is a separate organisation run by USA Cricket and MLC management. However, several MLC franchises share investors with IPL teams (MI New York / Mumbai Indians, Texas Super Kings / Chennai Super Kings, Los Angeles Knight Riders / Kolkata Knight Riders), which helps attract top players and financial stability.
Can international cricket stars play in MLC?
Yes. MLC's season falls during a window when many international players are available, especially those whose home countries have no scheduled international cricket. IPL franchises with MLC sister teams often facilitate player movement. The quality of overseas player recruitment has risen steadily each season.