By Himadullah Sohoo 
Major League Cricket (MLC), the burgeoning T20 cricket league in the USA, is gearing up for significant growth. Reports indicate that MLC plans to expand from its current six teams to eight by 2027, with potential new franchises in Chicago, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Toronto. This move marks a strategic effort to broaden cricket’s footprint in North America, tapping into cricket-loving communities and enhancing the league’s competitive stature.
MLC’s Expansion Strategy
MLC, sanctioned by USA Cricket, has quickly gained traction since its inception, featuring top international players and providing high-quality cricket entertainment. The league currently comprises six teams:
- Los Angeles Knight Riders
- MI New York
- San Francisco Unicorns
- Seattle Orcas
- Texas Super Kings
- Washington Freedom
Co-founder Satyan Gajwani expressed the league’s flexibility in its expansion approach, stating, “We have options ahead of us. I don’t think we’re committed one way or the other right now. That’s a decision we will take closer to launch.”
Potential Cities for Expansion
Cities like Chicago, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Toronto have been shortlisted due to their significant South Asian communities, which traditionally have a strong affinity for cricket. MLC officials have already conducted site visits, with Chicago receiving positive feedback for its local support. Further visits to the other cities are scheduled, with a final decision expected later this year.
Partnerships and Franchise Ownership
The MLC’s growth is bolstered by the involvement of IPL franchise owners:
- Mumbai Indians
- Kolkata Knight Riders
- Chennai Super Kings
The Seattle Orcas have a partnership with Delhi Capitals, while the San Francisco Unicorns and Washington Freedom collaborate with Cricket Victoria and Cricket NSW, respectively. This blend of IPL and international partnerships enriches the league’s profile and helps attract global talent.
Expanding Cricket’s Reach in North America
Gajwani highlighted the importance of growing cricket in the U.S., recognizing the large potential fan base. He noted that while the U.S. sports market is dominated by leagues like the NBA and NFL, there is ample room for cricket to carve out its niche. “America is the largest sports market in the world. It’s also very competitive, and continuing to be relevant will be a challenge. But I think the economics of sport in America are pretty robust.”
The expansion of Major League Cricket into Canada and additional U.S. cities represents a pivotal step in the league’s evolution. By tapping into new markets and leveraging existing cricket enthusiasm, MLC aims to secure its place as a premier T20 competition, while also contributing to the global growth of the sport.
Zainab Shafiq