Major League Rugby (MLR) has been reduced to eight teams after the Miami Sharks withdrew from the competition, following the departure of NOLA Gold last week and the merger of two California sides. The exit, confirmed by multiple league sources on Tuesday, adds further uncertainty to the struggling US professional league ahead of the 2031 men's Rugby World Cup.
The Sharks, who joined MLR in 2024 and reached the play-offs this year, saw their request to withdraw for 2026 and potentially return in 2027 rejected by team owners. NOLA Gold had sought a similar arrangement. Both clubs may reapply for 2027, according to sources. The league now has eight teams, down from 11 at the start of the 2025 season.
The departures have alarmed World Rugby, which has awarded the US the 2031 men's and 2033 women's World Cups. World Rugby chief executive Alan Gilpin said last month that 'there needs to be a domestic professional league in the US that's growing and thriving' and expressed openness to other international competitions launching teams in the country.
In an ironic twist, Miami CEO Milagros Cubelli was named MLR Executive of the Year on Monday, praising the Sharks' sponsorship growth and community engagement. By Wednesday, the team's website still advertised 'Season 2026' as 'Coming Soon'. No official comment has been made by MLR or Miami.
