Major League Rugby in Crisis: Utah Warriors Exit Leaves League Reeling
In a shocking turn of events, the Utah Warriors have abruptly withdrawn from Major League Rugby (MLR), leaving the league with just six teams as it gears up for the 2026 season. But here’s where it gets controversial: one of the league’s most successful and well-supported franchises, fresh off topping the Western Conference in 2025, has suddenly shut down operations. What does this mean for the future of MLR? And this is the part most people miss: the Warriors were one of only three teams to ever draw a five-figure crowd, alongside the San Diego Legion and Seattle Seawolves, making their departure a significant blow to the league’s credibility and fan base.
The Warriors’ exit follows a wave of suspensions, with the Houston SaberCats, Miami Sharks, and NOLA Gold also stepping away ahead of the 2026 season. This leaves MLR with a mere six teams: the reigning champions New England Freejacks, Old Glory DC, Seattle Seawolves, Chicago Hounds, Anthem RC (based in Charlotte), and the newly merged California Legion, formed from Rugby Football Club Los Angeles and San Diego Legion in July.
For the Warriors’ loyal supporters, this news is devastating. Season ticket holders will receive refunds, but the emotional toll of losing their team is immeasurable. In an open letter, Utah CEO and co-founder Kimball Kjar revealed the sudden nature of the decision: ‘Up until just days ago, the Utah Warriors were committed to the 2026 season. Unfortunately, things changed rapidly in the past week, leading us to suspend operations.’ This abrupt shift raises questions about the financial stability and long-term viability of MLR.
Bold Question for the Audience: Is Major League Rugby facing an existential crisis, or is this just a temporary setback? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you think MLR can recover from this, or is this the beginning of the end for the league? Let’s spark a debate!
