The 2026 Major League Rugby season is set to kick off, and while the league has a new, streamlined look, the central question remains the same: can anyone stop the New England Free Jacks? The reigning champions are chasing an unprecedented fourth consecutive title, a dynasty that has defined the league in recent years.

This season features a competitive field of six teams, a change from the previous 11-franchise format. The most intriguing newcomer is the California Legion, a fusion of last year's Los Angeles and San Diego squads. They'll bring a unique, traveling showcase to the Golden State, playing home matches across five different stadiums.

The regular season will be a tight, 10-match grind where each team plays home and away against every opponent. This intense round-robin will determine the top four clubs that advance to the playoffs, making every single fixture crucial from the opening whistle.

For fans looking to catch all the action, the primary hub will be ESPN+, which will stream every match live and on-demand. The league will also have a national television presence, with two regular-season games and the playoff semifinals airing on ESPN2. Additionally, many teams have local broadcast deals, with matches often available to stream on services like Fubo in their home markets.

As the season unfolds, the battle for supremacy promises to be fierce. Will the Free Jacks' championship pedigree prove too strong, or will a hungry challenger like the Legion or a resilient returning side finally dethrone the kings of MLR? The quest for the shield begins now.