MLC Season 4 Set for June-July 2026 Amid Uncertainty Over ACE Contract

MLC Season 4 Set for June-July 2026 Amid Uncertainty Over ACE Contract

The fourth edition of Major League Cricket (MLC) has been officially scheduled to take place from June 18 to July 18, 2026, marking a continuation of the tournament's preferred mid-year window designed to avoid clashes with other major global franchise leagues. The six-team tournament will once again feature 34 matches, maintaining the expanded format introduced in 2025.

This announcement comes just months after MI New York claimed their second MLC title, edging past Washington Freedom by five runs in a thrilling final on July 13, 2025, in Dallas. MI New York, owned by Indiawin Sports, has now won two of the first three MLC seasons, cementing their status as the most successful team in the league’s short history.

However, the lead-up to Season 4 has not been without complications. Despite the scheduling confirmation, USA Cricket (USAC) has yet to publicly clarify the status of its contract with American Cricket Enterprises (ACE)—the entity that owns and operates the league. USAC had previously moved to terminate its agreement with ACE, and no formal statement has been issued on whether that termination has been reversed.

The ongoing uncertainty has raised concerns among USA-based players. Corey Anderson, who serves as the operational director of the USA Cricketers' Association—an organization not officially recognized by USAC—recently voiced the players’ apprehensions over the lack of communication and clarity.

MLC's Rapid Growth and Future Plans

MLC has seen steady expansion since its inaugural season in 2023. Originally launched as a 19-match tournament, the league grew to 25 matches in 2024 before settling into a 34-match structure in 2025—a format that will continue into 2026.

“Season 3 showed that demand for top-tier cricket in the USA is real and accelerating,” said Johnny Grave, MLC Chief Executive. “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.”

According to MLC, ACE is targeting the development of ten international-standard cricket venues by 2030, with an investment of over US$150 million committed towards infrastructure and development.

Participating Teams and Expansion Plans

The six franchises set to compete in MLC Season 4 are:

  • Los Angeles Knight Riders (Knight Riders Group)

  • MI New York (Indiawin Sports)

  • San Francisco Unicorns (Anand Rajaraman, Venky Harinarayan)

  • Seattle Orcas (GMR Group, Satya Nadella, S. Somasegar)

  • Texas Super Kings (Chennai Super Kings, Anurag Jain, Ross Perot Jr.)

  • Washington Freedom (Sanjay Govil)

Looking ahead, MLC is planning to expand to eight teams by the 2027 season, with discussions ongoing about a potential cross-border expansion into Canada.

While operational challenges remain behind the scenes, particularly concerning governance and the ACE-USAC relationship, MLC continues to position itself as a key player in global franchise cricket. Season 4 promises to build on that momentum as the league seeks to further entrench itself in the growing North American cricket market.