Major League (MLC)

Launched in 2023, MLC was built as a franchise-based competition designed to establish a professional cricket product in one of the world’s biggest sports markets. While still in its early years, the league has already created structure, visibility and a pathway for growth.

It is not yet one of the dominant leagues, but its long-term potential gives it strategic importance.

What is Major League Cricket?

Major League Cricket is the United States’ premier franchise-based T20 competition, organised as a city-based league with international and domestic players.

It follows the modern franchise model used across global T20 cricket, with private ownership, overseas recruitment and a short-format schedule designed for entertainment and broadcast appeal.

Unlike older cricket markets, MLC is building both its audience and its cricket culture at the same time.

MLC teams and structure

The league currently features six franchises:

• Los Angeles Knight Riders
• MI New York
• San Francisco Unicorns
• Seattle Orcas
• Texas Super Kings
• Washington Freedom

These teams reflect the global nature of the league, with several linked to established T20 franchise networks.

Format and competition structure

MLC uses a compact and repeatable format.

Group stage

Teams play a double round-robin schedule, building a points table across the league phase.

Playoffs

The top teams advance to knockout matches, culminating in the final.

This structure ensures a balance between consistency and high-pressure knockout cricket.

Why Major League Cricket matters

MLC matters because of where it is based.

1. Market potential
   The United States offers significant commercial and audience growth opportunities for cricket.
2. Global integration
   The league is aligned with existing franchise systems, making it part of the wider T20 ecosystem.
3. Player exposure
   It provides opportunities for international players and emerging domestic talent in a new environment.
4. Strategic growth
   MLC is not just a league — it is a long-term expansion project for the sport.

South African players in MLC

South African players have already had an impact in MLC.

Notable contributors include:

Faf du Plessis
Quinton de Kock

Both feature prominently among the league’s leading run-scorers based on ESPNcricinfo records available as of April 2026.

South Africans are typically valued for:

Experience
Leadership
Adaptability across conditions
Key records and milestones

MLC’s statistical history is still developing, but early trends are clear.

Batting
Nicholas Pooran is listed as a leading run-scorer
Faf du Plessis and Quinton de Kock are also among the top performers

Bowling
Hassan Khan is listed among the leading wicket-takers

Evolution of MLC
Early phase (2023–present)
Establishment of six franchises
Stable season structure
Growing international participation

As a new league, MLC is still building identity, but early stability has been a positive sign.

MLC and the global T20 ecosystem

MLC sits within a crowded franchise landscape alongside:

• Indian Premier League
• Pakistan Super League
• SA20

It does not yet compete financially with the IPL, but its value lies in long-term growth and market expansion.

Betting and commercial relevance

MLC is an emerging betting market with:

Match winner markets
Top batsman and bowler bets
Total runs markets

The league’s short format and recognisable players make it accessible for betting and digital content.

Check today’s MLC betting markets and player odds on AfricaPicks

Why MLC matters to South Africa

For South African cricket, MLC provides:

Additional overseas opportunities
Exposure to new conditions
Participation in a growing cricket market

It also reflects the continued expansion of franchise cricket, which directly impacts player movement and scheduling.

The bottom line

Major League Cricket is still in its early stages, but it already has structure, visibility and credibility.

It is not yet one of the leading T20 leagues, but its location and backing give it long-term importance. If it continues to grow, it could become one of the most significant expansion projects in world cricket.