MLC Schedule 2026: All 34 Matches, Teams & Timeline

The Major League Cricket 2026 season runs from June 18 to July 18, 2026, featuring 34 T20 matches across league stage and playoffs. Six teams will compete across premier venues in Texas and California, making MLC 2026 one of the most anticipated cricket tournaments in the United States.

This guide provides the complete MLC 2026 schedule, including match dates, teams, venues, and playoff format. Whether you're planning to attend games in person or follow the tournament online, you'll find all key information in one place.

Planning to attend MLC 2026 games? Check availability and compare prices for Major League Cricket 2026 tickets on TicketX before seats sell out.

MLC 2026 Schedule Overview: Tournament Dates and Complete Timeline

The Major League Cricket season is expected to follow a similar format to recent editions, with around 34 T20 matches across league and playoff stages. This one-month cricket festival brings together six teams competing at premier venues in Texas and California. Matches are typically scheduled to maximize fan engagement and accommodate international cricket calendars.

When Does MLC 2026 Start? Tournament Start and End Dates

MLC 2026 kicks off on Thursday, June 18, 2026. The championship final takes place on Saturday, July 18, 2026. According to Wikipedia's MLC 2026 season page, this represents a continuation of the league's expansion strategy. The tournament maintains the 34-match format introduced in 2025.

The tournament timeline shows clear evolution from previous seasons:

The June-July window strategically positions MLC between major international cricket tournaments. This allows top players to participate while avoiding conflicts with national team commitments. The scheduling also capitalizes on summer vacation periods when families can attend matches together.

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Total Number of Matches: 34 T20 Games Scheduled

MLC is expected to feature around 30–34 T20 matches throughout the season, depending on the final schedule format. This represents a 36% increase over the 25 matches played during the 2024 season. The expansion reflects the league's growing popularity and commitment to providing fans with more cricket entertainment.

The 34-match format represents a significant increase in content:

• 36% more matches compared to MLC 2024 (25 matches)

• Same match count as MLC 2025, establishing consistency

• Average of 1.1 matches per day across the tournament duration

All six participating teams will play an equal number of league stage matches. The teams are Los Angeles Knight Riders, MI New York, San Francisco Unicorns, Seattle Orcas, Texas Super Kings, and Washington Freedom. This ensures fair competition and maximum fan engagement opportunities.

Each team is expected to play around 10 league-stage matches, based on previous seasons. This provides fans multiple opportunities to watch their favorite teams at home venues. The balanced schedule ensures every team gets adequate exposure and competitive opportunities before playoffs.

League Stage vs Playoff Breakdown: Match Distribution

The 34 total matches are strategically divided into 30 league stage matches and 4 playoff matches. This creates a competitive structure that rewards consistent performance while maintaining knockout excitement.

Match Distribution Structure:

League Stage Format (30 Matches):

• Each team is expected to play around 10 league-stage matches, with a balanced home-and-away format based on previous seasons

• Teams face each opponent at least once

• Top 4 teams based on points qualify for playoffs

• Spans approximately 27 days (June 18 – July 14, 2026)

Playoff Format (4 Matches):

• Qualifier: 1st place vs 2nd place (July 15)

• Eliminator: 3rd place vs 4th place (July 15)

• Challenger: Loser of Qualifier vs Winner of Eliminator (July 16)

• Final: Winner of Qualifier vs Winner of Challenger (July 18)

This playoff structure mirrors the Indian Premier League format. It gives top-performing teams two chances to reach the final while maintaining competitive intensity. The 1st and 2nd placed teams have the advantage of a second opportunity if they lose their first playoff match.

Popular matchups and weekend games often sell out quickly. View Major League Cricket 2026 tickets on TicketX to find the best seats.

MLC 2026 Teams: All Six Participating Franchises and Squad Details

The 2026 Major League Cricket season is expected to feature six franchises competing in approximately 30–34 T20 matches during the June–July 2026 window, subject to official confirmation. Each team plays 10 league stage matches (5 home, 5 away) before the top four advance to playoffs.

The league currently features six franchises, which are expected to continue participating in the 2026 season, subject to official confirmation. These are Los Angeles Knight Riders, MI New York, San Francisco Unicorns, Seattle Orcas, Texas Super Kings, and Washington Freedom. Teams feature enhanced squad rosters and strategic player acquisitions.

Understanding each team's match schedule helps fans plan their viewing experience and ticket purchases. Below, you'll find detailed fixture information for all six franchises, including home venue details and key matchup dates.

Los Angeles Knight Riders: Team Profile and Key Matches

Los Angeles Knight Riders compete in the MLC 2026 season with home matches at Knight Riders Cricket Field at Fairplex in Pomona, California. As part of the Knight Riders franchise family, they bring international cricket expertise to the American league.

The team's 10 league stage matches include 5 home fixtures at Knight Riders Cricket Field at Fairplex and 5 away games across different venues.

Key home matches for LA Knight Riders take place at Knight Riders Cricket Field at Fairplex. Gates open 2 hours before the first ball. The stadium is located in Pomona, California. Fans should arrive early to allow ample time for parking and entry.

MI New York: Fixture List and Match Schedule

MI New York enters the 2026 season following strong performance in previous MLC editions. The franchise plays home matches at a dedicated venue and maintains a competitive roster with international cricket stars.

Their 10 league stage fixtures are strategically scheduled throughout the June 18 to July 18 tournament window. This balances home advantage with challenging away encounters.

MI New York's match calendar includes crucial fixtures against defending champions Washington Freedom and other top contenders. According to the 2025 MLC season structure, the expanded 34-match format provides more opportunities for teams to secure playoff positions.

Fans can expect high-intensity T20 cricket with each match potentially impacting the final standings.

The team's home venue offers excellent facilities for spectators. General admission tickets start at $20. Children aged 3 and older require tickets. Kids under 3 can enter free but must sit on a ticketed adult's lap, as outlined in the MLC Fan FAQ.

San Francisco Unicorns: Complete Match Calendar

San Francisco Unicorns compete in their third MLC season with an ambitious fixture list spanning the entire tournament period. The franchise's 10 league matches include strategic home games at their California venue and challenging road trips across the United States.

The team's schedule is designed to maximize fan engagement on the West Coast while maintaining competitive balance.

San Francisco's home matches provide West Coast cricket fans with accessible viewing options. The team's fixture list includes weekend games and weekday evening matches to accommodate different fan schedules.

For fans planning to attend multiple matches, season ticket packages may offer better value than individual game tickets.

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Seattle Orcas: Season Schedule and Home Games

Seattle Orcas bring Pacific Northwest representation to Major League Cricket with their 2026 season campaign. The franchise's home fixtures showcase cricket in the Seattle metropolitan area. This introduces the sport to new audiences while serving the growing cricket community.

Their 10 league stage matches balance home advantage with competitive away fixtures against all five opposing teams.

The Orcas' schedule includes key rivalry matches and strategic rest periods between games. Based on the 2026 MLC season structure, each team plays a balanced schedule, ensuring fair competition.

Seattle's home venue provides modern facilities with clear sightlines and comfortable seating for the T20 format's fast-paced action.

• Seattle fans benefit from convenient access to home matches

• The venue offers better public transportation options compared to some other MLC stadiums

• The team's marketing emphasizes family-friendly entertainment

• Seattle Orcas matches are accessible for cricket newcomers and experienced fans alike

Texas Super Kings: Match Fixtures and Venue Details

Texas Super Kings play home matches at Grand Prairie Stadium. The franchise brings Chennai Super Kings' legacy to American cricket. This attracts significant fan interest from the Indian diaspora community in Texas.

Their 10 league stage matches include 5 crucial home games at the 7,200-capacity stadium.

According to Grand Prairie Stadium information, the venue opens its parking lot 2.5 hours before the first ball. Gates open 2 hours prior. This gives Texas Super Kings fans ample time to arrive, park, and enter the stadium before the match starts.

The facility is located adjacent to Lone Star Park, making it a recognizable landmark for first-time visitors.

The Texas Super Kings' fixture list includes high-profile matches against MI New York and Washington Freedom. These matchups likely draw the stadium's maximum capacity crowds. Fans should purchase tickets early for these marquee matchups to secure preferred seating sections.

Washington Freedom: Defending Champions' Schedule

Washington Freedom enters the 2026 season as defending champions, having won the 2024 MLC title. Their championship pedigree makes every Freedom match a must-watch event. Opponents are eager to defeat the reigning champions.

The team's 10 league stage fixtures include crucial home games and challenging road matches against top contenders.

As defending champions, Washington Freedom's schedule receives prime placement in the tournament calendar. Their matches are strategically scheduled for maximum viewership. This includes weekend afternoon games and weekday evening fixtures.

The team's home venue provides excellent facilities for fans looking to watch championship-caliber cricket.

Washington Freedom's fixture list includes rematches against teams they defeated in the 2024 playoffs. This creates compelling storylines throughout the season. The franchise's success has built a dedicated fanbase, making home match tickets highly sought after.

Early ticket purchases are recommended, especially for matches against traditional rivals like MI New York and Texas Super Kings.

The defending champions' schedule concludes with crucial late-season matches that could determine playoff seeding. Based on the tournament format, Washington Freedom aims to finish in the top four to secure home advantage in the playoff rounds.

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Complete MLC 2026 Fixture List: All 34 Matches with Dates and Times

The MLC 2026 season features 34 T20 matches scheduled from June 18 to July 18, 2026. This includes 30 league stage games and 4 playoff matches. Based on previous MLC seasons, the league is expected to follow a round-robin format before the top four teams advance to the playoffs, based on previous seasons.

Matches are expected to be played across venues in Texas and California, including Grand Prairie Stadium and other rotating stadiums used in previous MLC seasons. Specific dates and timings are designed to accommodate cricket fans across different time zones.

Note: The complete fixture list with confirmed team matchups will be released by Major League Cricket in early 2026. The schedule structure below is based on the established MLC format from previous seasons.

League Stage Matches: Full Schedule of 30 Round-Robin Games

The league stage consists of 30 matches where each of the six teams faces every other team twice in a double round-robin format. Based on the 2025 MLC season structure, matches are typically scheduled with doubleheaders on weekends and single games on weekdays.

The league stage is expected to run over approximately three to four weeks in June–July 2026, spanning 24 days of competitive cricket. Teams earn 2 points for a win, 1 point for a no-result, and 0 points for a loss. The top four teams advance to playoffs based on total points and net run rate.

Expected Match Schedule Structure:

Note: Gates open 2 hours before first ball. Parking lots open 2.5 hours before first ball, according to Grand Prairie Stadium guidelines.

Playoff Matches Schedule: Qualifier, Eliminator, Challenger, and Final (4 Games)

The playoff stage is expected to feature four knockout matches held toward the end of the tournament. This follows the MLC playoff format used in previous seasons.

The top four teams from the league stage compete in a two-chance system. Teams ranked 1st and 2nd get two opportunities to reach the final. Teams in 3rd and 4th place must win every match.

Playoff matches are expected to be held at one of the league’s primary venues, with final locations to be confirmed. This format ensures the best-performing teams have a competitive advantage while maintaining excitement through elimination pressure.

Playoff Format Explanation:

• Qualifier: The team finishing 1st plays 2nd. The winner advances directly to the Final. The loser gets another chance in the Challenger.

• Eliminator: The team finishing 3rd plays 4th. The loser is eliminated. The winner advances to the Challenger.

• Challenger: The loser of the Qualifier plays the winner of the Eliminator. The winner advances to the Final.

• Final: The two remaining teams compete for the MLC 2026 championship trophy.

Based on previous seasons, general admission tickets for playoff matches start at $20. Children 3 and older require a ticket. Premium seating and hospitality packages will be available for the Final match. Pricing is typically announced 4-6 weeks before the event.

Pro Tip: Playoff matches often sell out quickly, especially the Final. Based on the 2024 MLC season experience, tickets for the championship match were claimed within 48 hours of release. Compare Major League Cricket 2026 playoff tickets on TicketX before availability becomes limited.

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