Major League Rugby – MLR News & Updates 2025

Major League Rugby (MLR) will launch a new “Sunday Night Rugby” broadcast package this season, beginning with a March 28th match between the Legion and Anthem RC, the league announced Monday. The initiative coincides with the introduction of a Referee Review System (RRS) intended to replace the traditional Television Match Official (TMO) role.

The league has partnered with XCLSV Media as its exclusive affiliate marketing partner, and OS Studios to enhance rugby storytelling, according to press releases. MLR is also offering a new podcast, “Inside MLR,” available on YouTube and major streaming platforms, focusing on off-season changes and a 2026 season preview.

Currently comprised of six teams, Major League Rugby was founded in 2017 and is sanctioned by USA Rugby and World Rugby. While operating independently of USA Rugby’s direct governance, MLR is part of the broader rugby structure in North America. The league reached a peak of thirteen teams in 2022, and twelve competed in the 2024 season. MLR implemented a collegiate draft in 2020 and teams are now developing youth academies.

The RRS is being implemented across the league, with the aim of providing faster and more accurate officiating decisions. Details of the system’s operation were not immediately available, though the league has indicated it will address concerns raised about the change. The league and the United States Rugby Players Association (USRPA) recently established the first-ever union contract in U.S. Rugby.

Games will be broadcast in the United States on ESPN (English) and VIX (Spanish), with international viewers able to access matches through The Rugby Network. MLR is encouraging fans to subscribe to receive exclusive updates and behind-the-scenes access.