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Miami Sharks statement: Florida club become latest MLR casualty
By Ian Cameron
Major League Rugby’s turbulent history has claimed another casualty with the Miami Sharks announcing they will not participate in the competition in 2026.
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The expansion side only joined the league in 2024 but confirmed the decision in a statement on social media: “After much reflection, we’ve made the difficult decision not to participate in MLR in 2026.
“To our sponsors and partners: Thank you for believing in us and walking this journey by our side. To our fans: Your passion and support have meant everything. Being part of this community has been an honor, and the Sharks family will forever cherish the moments we shared together.
“2026 will be a year of reassessment and exploration of new opportunities. Whatever the future holds, we will always carry the pride of being part of this incredible community. The Miami Sharks”
The Sharks’ withdrawal is a fresh blow for MLR, which has struggled with sustainability since its inception in 2018.
Despite high-profile ambitions, including partnerships with Roc Nation Sports and promotional visits from players such as England fly-half Marcus Smith earlier this year, the South Florida franchise will now step away after just a short stint in the competition.
Miami had attracted international talent such as Argentina’s Tomás Cubelli and Matías Orlando but their announcement follows a familiar pattern in a league that has repeatedly seen clubs collapse or exit.
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Founding franchise Glendale Raptors withdrew in 2020, citing a refocus on grassroots rugby, while the Austin Gilgronis and LA Giltinis were both ejected in 2022 before folding. Toronto Arrows, the competition’s lone Canadian side, pulled out in 2023 citing financial strain.
New York’s franchise also underwent a major rebrand under new ownership in order to survive.
The Dallas Jackals informed the league ahead of the 2025 campaign that they would not participate in that season, while NOLA Gold recently announced it would suspend operations for the 2026 season.
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