Major League Rugby (MLR) has suffered another major setback with the departure of the Miami Sharks from the 2026 season. Multiple sources confirm that players were informed of the decision this morning, marking the third team exit or merger in just weeks.
The news comes on the heels of founding member NOLA Gold ceasing operations and San Diego’s merger with Los Angeles to form the “California Legion.” While there is no indication that the league itself is on the verge of collapse, confidence in MLR leadership has been shaken, with team numbers dropping from 11 to 8 since the 2024 Championship Final barely a month ago.
Miami’s exit is particularly surprising. Backed by billionaire Argentine entrepreneur Marcos Galperin, the franchise appeared to be gaining traction both on and off the field. The Sharks posted strong home attendance, reached the playoffs for the first time in 2025, and CEO Milagros Cubelli was recently named “Executive of the Year.” Their withdrawal after just two seasons has left many fans bewildered.
NOLA’s situation differed — despite eight seasons in MLR, playoff appearances were rare, and while local support was passionate, it was inconsistent. Expanded investment from new ownership this past year failed to overcome the collapse of key sponsorship and stadium deals.
The newly created California Legion — a merger of San Diego and Los Angeles — plans to split home games across three venues in 2026. However, fan reaction to the rebrand and recent public communications from the organization has been mixed.
With eight active franchises set for 2026, MLR is facing its smallest lineup since its inaugural 2018 season — far below its peak of 13 teams in 2022. There is no immediate expansion confirmed, though Indianapolis has been floated as a possible future market. Past fast-tracked additions, such as Chicago and Charlotte, suggest that a last-minute new entry for 2026 cannot be ruled out.
The contraction comes at a challenging time for the sport in the United States, as World Rugby aims to grow the game ahead of the 2031 Rugby World Cup. The reduced number of teams also impacts the upcoming MLR College Draft, with fewer roster spots available for emerging talent.
As the league navigates this turbulent offseason, the coming months will be crucial in determining whether MLR can stabilize its footprint or risk further erosion before its ninth season begins.
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IMAGE: Miami Sharks
