Chicago chosen to host Major final

The 2026 champions of Major League Rugby (MLR) will be crowned at the Seatgeek Stadium in Chicago on Sunday, 21 June.

For the second time in the competition’s short history, the 20,000 capacity stadium will host the grand final, having done so in 2023, when New England Free Jacks began their run of three consecutive Shield wins with a dramatic 25-24 victory over San Diego Legion.

The Seatgeek Stadium will also host the semi-finals the week before the final, with the four best-placed teams out of six after the 11-week regular season competing in the ‘Championship’ phase of the competition.

“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.”

In addition to being the home of the Chicago Hounds, the 20-year-old 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.

“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.”

The 2026 MLR season, streamlined to six teams, gets underway on Saturday, 28 March, when the newly-formed California Legion, which came about as a result of a merger between San Diego Legion and Rugby Football Club Los Angeles, take on Anthem RC.