Major League Rugby names Chicago as host of 2026 MLR Championship Game

America’s premier rugby competition returns to Windy City for second title match

DALLAS – Major League Rugby, the premier professional rugby league in North America, announced today it has named Chicago as the host site for the 2026 MLR Championship. The Quest for the Shield will culminate at Bridgeview’s SeatGeek Stadium on Sunday, June, 21 at 8 p.m. (EST) /  7 p.m. (CST).

After an 11-week regular season, the league’s top four teams will advance to a single-elimination tournament. The semifinal round will match up the league’s No. 1 and No. 4 teams and the league’s No. 2 and No. 3 teams in a Sunday Night Rugby doubleheader, with the winners advancing to the championship the following week.

“Chicago has consistently proven itself as a premier host for historic rugby events — from the 2023 MLR Championship to massive recent international matches — while also boasting a rich and proud grassroots and club rugby tradition,” said Alex Magleby, Co-President of Major League Rugby. “SeatGeek Stadium offers arguably the best playing surface in our league, making it the perfect stage for a championship moment.

“With multiple fields surrounding the stadium for additional rugby activations in the lead up, this will be a true tent-pole weekend for North American rugby, and we look forward to announcing a series of exciting events in the coming weeks — all culminating in a Father’s Day MLR Final on Sunday evening. It promises to be electric — an opportunity to bring together MLR supporters and rugby fans, new and lifelong alike, for a remarkable celebration of our sport.”

SeatGeek Stadium hosted the 2023 MLR Championship, welcoming more than 10,000 fans to an action-packed final. The New England Free Jacks overcame a four-point halftime deficit to upset the San Diego Legion, 25-24 for the Free Jacks’ first MLR Shield.

In addition to being the home of the Chicago Hounds, SeatGeek Stadium, located just outside of downtown Chicago, also hosts the Chicago Stars FC of the National Women’s Soccer League, Chicago Fire FC II of MLS Next Pro. The 20,000-seat venue will be celebrating its 20th year of providing world-class entertainment for the community this June.

During last season’s thrilling final in Pawtucket, R.I., the New England Free Jacks became the first team in MLR history to win three straight titles, doing so with a thrilling victory in the first major championship sporting event in Centreville Bank Stadium history.

“We’re thrilled and honored to bring the Major League Rugby Championship Final back to Chicago this summer,” said James English, CEO of the Chicago Hounds. “Chicago has consistently proven itself as the destination for rugby in the U.S. With its unmatched energy, vibrant summer atmosphere, and passionate fans, there’s simply no better place to be than Dawg Town on June 21.”

Additional information on ticket sales and event updates will be shared later in the season, and fans can register here for presale information about the 2026 MLR Championship. Fans also can be the first to get the latest league news by subscribing at MajorLeague.Rugby today or following @USMLR on social media.

All 2026 playoff matches, including the 2026 MLR Championship, will be broadcast on ESPN2, ESPN+ and around the world.

For more information on Major League Rugby, please visit majorleague.rugby/.

About Major League Rugby:

Since it was founded in 2019, Major League Rugby has been the premier professional rugby league in the United States of America. Invested in player development and rooted in community, the league strives to deliver its values of Respect, Inclusivity and Tradition both on and off the field. MLR’s six teams span the country in Anthem RC, Chicago Hounds, California Legion, New England Free Jacks, Old Glory DC and Seattle Seawolves. For more information, visit www.Majorleague.Rugby and follow @USMLR on Twitter and Instagram.

MLR Media Contact:

Johnathan McGinty

On behalf of Major League Rugby

[email protected]