The 2026 Major League Rugby (MLR) postseason presents a fresh landscape, as the New England Free Jacks, three-time defending champions, will not be competing. Their absence, alongside Anthem RC, stems from a 3-7 regular season record, paving the way for a new champion to be crowned. The Chicago Hounds, boasting an undefeated regular season, are now the top favorites and will host Old Glory DC in one semifinal. In the other matchup, the Seattle Seawolves, a club that has been part of MLR since its inception in 2018 and has two previous championships, will face the California Legion. This year's playoffs are poised to redefine the league's competitive hierarchy and potentially usher in a new era of rugby dominance.
This season marks a dramatic shift in the Major League Rugby landscape. The customary reign of the New England Free Jacks, who previously secured three consecutive titles, has concluded following their unexpected exclusion from the postseason. Their departure has infused the competition with renewed anticipation, presenting a unique chance for other teams to claim the coveted championship. The Chicago Hounds have seized this opportunity, achieving an impeccable undefeated record during the regular season, establishing themselves as the clear favorites. They are scheduled to host Old Glory DC in what promises to be a gripping semifinal encounter. Concurrently, the Seattle Seawolves, a cornerstone franchise of the league and a two-time champion, are eager to reclaim their past glory as they prepare to battle the California Legion. This series of events ensures an exhilarating and unpredictable path to the MLR final.
The Road to the MLR Championship: Key Matchups and Broadcast Information
The Major League Rugby semifinals are set to deliver intense competition, with key matchups determining who will advance to the championship game. Rugby enthusiasts can catch all the action across ESPN networks. Specifically, the Sunday game will be broadcast on ESPN2, while the Monday semifinal will be available on ESPNU. For those who prefer streaming, both matches will be accessible live on fubo, which also offers a free trial for new subscribers. This comprehensive broadcast coverage ensures that fans won't miss a moment of the thrilling playoff journey as teams battle for supremacy.
This year's Major League Rugby semifinals promise to be a captivating spectacle for fans, with critical matches scheduled to decide the ultimate contenders for the championship. Viewers have multiple options to follow the thrilling playoff action. The first semifinal will be broadcast on ESPN2, while the second will be aired on ESPNU, ensuring broad access for television audiences. Additionally, for those who prefer the flexibility of online streaming, both semifinal games will be available live through fubo. This platform also extends a complimentary trial period for new users, allowing them to experience the excitement of top-tier rugby without an initial commitment. The strategic timing and diverse viewing options underscore the league's commitment to making this pivotal stage of the season accessible to a wide audience, setting the stage for an unforgettable championship showdown.
Major League Rugby Playoff Schedule and Historical Overview
The Major League Rugby playoffs are structured to culminate in an exciting championship. The semifinals included a match on Sunday, June 14, where the California Legion defeated the Seattle Seawolves 43-34. The second semifinal is scheduled for Monday, June 15, featuring the Chicago Hounds against Old Glory DC at 8 p.m. ET, airing on ESPNU and fubo. The championship final will take place on Sunday, June 21, at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois, also at 8 p.m. ET, broadcast on ESPN2 and fubo. Historically, the Seattle Seawolves secured the first two MLR championships in 2018 and 2019, followed by the LA Giltinis in 2021, Rugby New York in 2022, and the New England Free Jacks, who claimed three consecutive titles from 2023 to 2025. The 2020 season saw no playoffs due to COVID-19.
The current Major League Rugby playoff schedule is meticulously designed to build anticipation towards the final. The initial semifinal on Sunday, June 14, witnessed a compelling victory by the California Legion over the Seattle Seawolves, with a final score of 43-34. The subsequent semifinal, on Monday, June 15, will feature an intriguing clash between the undefeated Chicago Hounds and Old Glory DC, with kickoff scheduled for 8 p.m. ET, available for viewing on ESPNU and the streaming platform fubo. The grand finale, the championship game, is slated for Sunday, June 21, hosted at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois, also commencing at 8 p.m. ET, and will be broadcast on ESPN2 and fubo. Reflecting on past seasons, the league has seen various champions: the Seattle Seawolves established early dominance with titles in 2018 and 2019. The LA Giltinis took the honors in 2021, followed by Rugby New York in 2022. The New England Free Jacks then embarked on an impressive run, securing championships in 2023, 2024, and 2025. It's also notable that the 2020 playoffs were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, creating a unique gap in the league's history.