MLC season 4 to be played in June-July 2026

Published - 10 Sept 2025, 13:55 IST | Updated - 10 Sept 2025, 14:08 IST

The fourth season of Major League Cricket (MLC) has been officially scheduled to take place from June 18 to July 18, 2026. The six-team T20 tournament will once again feature 34 matches, continuing the same format since 2025. However, many have questions over governance issues between USA Cricket (USAC) and American Cricket Enterprises (ACE), the league’s operators.

Despite the growing popularity of MLC, the contractual dispute between USAC and ACE still grabs significant attention. USAC had previously terminated its agreement with ACE, and to date, there has been no public confirmation of whether that decision has been reversed.

Corey Anderson, former New Zealand cricketer and now operational director of the USA Cricketers’ Association, a body not formally recognised by USAC, recently voiced his concerns. He mentioned how the ongoing uncertainty threatens player security and long-term planning, especially with the league becoming a crucial platform for local cricketers.

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Since its start in 2023, MLC has expanded in both scale and appeal. What began as a 19-match competition grew to 25 games in 2024 and was further scaled up to 34 matches by 2025. The decision to shift to a June-July window from Season 3 onwards has been well-planned. By avoiding clashes with other global franchise leagues, MLC has been able to attract a wider pool of international players.

“Season 3 showed that demand for top-tier cricket in the USA is "Season 3 showed that demand for top-tier cricket in the USA is real and accelerating," Johnny Grave, MLC chief executive, said in a statement. "MLC is winning new fans, followers and viewers throughout the USA and around the world. We're delivering on our promise to grow the game across the USA and build relations with new and existing commercial partners," Johnny Grave, MLC’s Chief Executive, said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

The league’s ownership group, ACE, has rolled out ambitious plans for the future. Notably, it looks to build ten international-standard cricket venues across the US by 2030, with an investment commitment exceeding USD 150 million.

The six teams confirmed for the 2026 season are Los Angeles Knight Riders, MI New York, San Francisco Unicorns, Seattle Orcas, Texas Super Kings, and Washington Freedom. Looking ahead, MLC has plans to expand to eight teams by 2027, with the possibility of extending the competition to Canada under active consideration.