Major League Rugby could get Buffalo team amid talks with 17 other locations
Summary
Major League Rugby plans to play with five teams in 2027 and is considering expansion for 2028. The league has signed a letter of intent with the Buffalo Thunderbolts and is discussing possible teams with 17 other groups.Key Facts
- MLR had 13 teams in 2022, but several teams left in 2025 and Anthem RC will not return in 2027.
- The five teams expected to play in 2027 are Seattle Seawolves, Chicago Hounds, New England Free Jacks, Old Glory DC and California Legion.
- Co-president Alex Magleby said MLR hopes six of the 17 groups will enter a formal bid process, with three teams selected for 2028.
- The league aims to reach 12 teams by 2031, when the United States will host the men’s Rugby World Cup.
- The Buffalo bid includes former Toronto Arrows executive Mark Winokur and local filmmaker and rugby fan Joe DiPasquale.
- The Buffalo group is exploring a possible shared venue with Buffalo Pro Soccer, which does not yet have a stadium.
- Canada has had no MLR team since the Toronto Arrows left in 2023.
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