Major League Cricket (MLC) has confirmed its fourth season will run from June 18 to July 18, 2026. The six-team T20 league will once again feature 34 matches, keeping the same format used in 2025.
But despite the announcement, questions remain over governance. USA Cricket (USAC) and American Cricket Enterprises (ACE), the operators of the league, are still in a dispute. USAC had earlier terminated its agreement with ACE. There has been no clear update on whether that decision has been reversed.
Corey Anderson, former New Zealand all-rounder and now operational director of the USA Cricketers’ Association, raised concerns. He said the ongoing uncertainty creates problems for players. According to him, security and long-term planning are at risk, even as MLC grows in popularity.
Growth of MLC in the Past Years
Since its first season in 2023, MLC has expanded quickly. The league started with 19 games. It then moved to 25 games in 2024 and jumped to 34 games by 2025. The June-July window, introduced in Season 3, has helped avoid clashes with other big leagues. This change also attracted more international players.
Johnny Grave, MLC chief executive, said Season 3 proved the demand for top-quality cricket in the USA is real. He added that the league is gaining new fans and followers both in America and around the world. MLC, he said, is also building partnerships with sponsors and growing the sport across the country.
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The ownership group, ACE, has ambitious goals. By 2030, it plans to build ten world-class cricket venues in the USA. The project is backed by more than USD 150 million in committed investment.
The six teams for the 2026 season are Los Angeles Knight Riders, MI New York, San Francisco Unicorns, Seattle Orcas, Texas Super Kings, and Washington Freedom.
There are also expansion plans. MLC is aiming to grow to eight teams by 2027. Talks are underway about including Canada in the competition.
The 2026 season promises to be another big step forward for cricket in the USA. But until the governance issues are resolved, doubts will remain in the background.
