Major League Cricket 2026
🏆 Los Angeles Knight Riders are the 2026 MLC champions, beating Washington Freedom by 1 run in a last-ball thriller on July 18, 2026. Sunil Narine was Player of the Tournament.
About Major League Cricket
Major League Cricket (MLC) is the United States' premier professional T20 cricket league, launched in 2023 by American Cricket Enterprises (ACE). The competition represents the most significant investment in cricket infrastructure in American sporting history, with dedicated stadiums and direct IPL franchise ownership bringing global credibility to US cricket.
Three of the six franchises are directly linked to IPL giants: MI New York is backed by Mumbai Indians, Texas Super Kings by Chennai Super Kings, and Los Angeles Knight Riders by Knight Riders Group (KKR). The independent teams — Washington Freedom, San Francisco Unicorns and Seattle Orcas — have proven that grassroots American cricket investment can compete at the highest level.
MI New York are the most successful franchise overall with two titles (2023, 2025). But the 2026 season produced a new champion: Los Angeles Knight Riders claimed their first MLC crown with a last-ball 1-run victory over Washington Freedom in the final at Oakland Coliseum on July 18, 2026. Sunil Narine's 3/13 won him both Player of the Match and Player of the Tournament honours.
The 2026 season was the fourth edition and featured 34 matches — 30 league games in a double round-robin format plus four playoff matches. MLC's rapid growth mirrors the explosion of cricket popularity in the US, fuelled by the Indian diaspora, ICC's push for cricket in America, and the 2024 T20 World Cup co-hosted in the United States.
MLC Teams 2026
📍 Grand Prairie Stadium, Texas
🔗 Mumbai Indians affiliate
Two-time MLC champions (2023 inaugural title, 2025 thriller) — the most successful franchise in MLC history. Backed by Mumbai Indians and Reliance Industries, MI New York bring IPL pedigree and global star power to the US.
📍 Grand Prairie Stadium, Texas
2024 MLC champions after a dominant season capped by a 96-run final victory over San Francisco Unicorns. Washington Freedom have been consistent finals contenders and remain the main rivals to MI New York's dynasty.
📍 Grand Prairie Stadium, Texas
🔗 Chennai Super Kings affiliate
Chennai Super Kings' US franchise, bringing the famous yellow jersey and 'Thala' fan culture to Texas. Backed by CSK's legendary leadership, the Super Kings attract massive support from the South Indian diaspora across America.
📍 Knight Riders Cricket Field, Pomona
🔗 Knight Riders Group (KKR) affiliate
2026 MLC champions — LAKR claimed their first title in a last-ball thriller, beating Washington Freedom by 1 run on July 18, 2026. Sunil Narine (3/13) was Player of the Match and Player of the Tournament. Knight Riders Group's West Coast franchise plays at their purpose-built facility in Pomona, California.
📍 Oakland Coliseum, California
The Bay Area's team and MLC's independent franchise, the Unicorns play at the iconic Oakland Coliseum. They've consistently punched above their weight, reaching the 2024 final and proving you don't need IPL backing to compete.
📍 Oakland Coliseum, California
Named after Seattle's iconic killer whales, the Orcas represent the Pacific Northwest but play their current home matches at Oakland Coliseum as the league awaits a Seattle-area venue. They made the inaugural MLC final in 2023.
MLC Champions (2023–2026)
| Year | Champion | Runner-up | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Los Angeles Knight Riders | Washington Freedom | 1 run |
| 2025 | MI New York | Washington Freedom | 5 runs |
| 2024 | Washington Freedom | San Francisco Unicorns | 96 runs |
| 2023 | MI New York | Seattle Orcas | 7 wickets |
MLC FAQs
Who won MLC 2026?
Los Angeles Knight Riders won MLC 2026, defeating Washington Freedom by 1 run in the final on July 18, 2026 at Oakland Coliseum. Sunil Narine took 3/13 and was named Player of the Match and Player of the Tournament. It was LAKR's first MLC title.
How many teams are in MLC?
MLC features 6 franchise teams: MI New York, Washington Freedom, Texas Super Kings, Los Angeles Knight Riders, San Francisco Unicorns, and Seattle Orcas. All play a double round-robin format before the top four advance to the playoffs.
Who are the MLC champions?
Los Angeles Knight Riders are the 2026 MLC champions, winning their first title by 1 run over Washington Freedom. MI New York are the most successful franchise overall with two titles (2023, 2025). Washington Freedom won in 2024.
Which IPL franchises own MLC teams?
Three IPL franchises have US teams: Mumbai Indians own MI New York, Chennai Super Kings own Texas Super Kings, and Knight Riders Group (KKR) own Los Angeles Knight Riders. Washington Freedom, San Francisco Unicorns, and Seattle Orcas are independently owned.
Where are MLC matches played?
MLC uses three venues: Grand Prairie Stadium near Dallas (Texas Super Kings, MI New York and Washington Freedom home games), Oakland Coliseum in the San Francisco Bay Area (San Francisco Unicorns and Seattle Orcas), and Knight Riders Cricket Field at Fairplex in Pomona, California (Los Angeles Knight Riders).
How can I watch MLC 2026?
MLC matches are broadcast on Willow TV and ESPN+ in the United States. International broadcast rights vary by territory. Check our Watch page for streaming options in your region.