How It Began in the United States, Where It Is Headed Next, and How to Watch It in America
For more than a hundred years, cricket quietly existed in the background of American sports culture. It was played and loved mostly by immigrants, expats, and small communities who brought their passion with them. While stadiums in India, Australia, and England were filled with passionate fans, American sports audiences stayed focused on baseball, basketball, and football. That long-standing reality began to change in July 2023, when Major League Cricket launched its inaugural season. It was a turning point that brought the world’s second most popular sport into the American spotlight.
Cricket’s American Comeback Begins
Major League Cricket is the United States’ first fully professional Twenty20 franchise league. It was not designed as a temporary experiment or a low-budget attempt at popularity. This league represents a long-term investment of over one billion dollars in infrastructure, media, talent development, and fan outreach. It is a strategic effort to bring elite-level cricket to new audiences in North America.
Backed by international investors, cricket icons, and several high-profile Indian Premier League teams, the league began with six franchises. Stadiums in Texas and North Carolina were converted to meet international standards. Players like Nicholas Pooran, Rashid Khan, and Devon Conway delivered top-tier performances. Matches aired live across platforms such as Willow TV, Sling, and global streaming services. Viewership soared, and curiosity among new fans surged.
For the first time in modern history, cricket in America is no longer a niche hobby. It is now a serious professional sport with momentum, investment, and a long-term vision for success.
America’s Forgotten Cricket History
It may surprise many to learn that cricket was once more popular than baseball in certain regions of the United States. The very first international cricket match was played in 1844 in New York City between the United States and Canada. That historic event marked the beginning of an era where cricket clubs thrived across cities like Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Boston.
In those early decades, cricket was well organized and highly regarded. Matches drew crowds, local newspapers covered scores, and amateur clubs formed rivalries. But over time, baseball emerged as the sport of the American identity. Its fast pace, simpler rules, and greater accessibility helped it dominate the cultural landscape. By the late 1800s, cricket had largely faded from the national conversation.
However, the game never disappeared completely. It continued to flourish within immigrant communities. South Asian, Caribbean, British, and Australian populations brought the game with them, forming clubs and leagues in places like New Jersey, Texas, California, and Georgia. These communities kept the sport alive for decades, even as mainstream America focused on other pursuits.
By the early 2000s, demographics began shifting again. The United States had over 20 million people of South Asian or Caribbean descent—many of whom followed international cricket closely. Local competitions grew, but there was still no premier, commercially viable league to match what fans watched overseas. That changed with the arrival of Major League Cricket. This time, the effort was not a grassroots experiment. It was a serious commitment to reintroduce cricket to America at the highest level.
The Rise of American Cricket Enterprises
The story of Major League Cricket cannot be told without understanding the role of American Cricket Enterprises, often referred to as ACE. This organization was founded with a bold vision—to build a professional cricket ecosystem in the United States that could rival leagues in more established cricketing nations. In 2019, ACE signed a long-term agreement with USA Cricket to lead this development.
ACE is supported by The Times Group, India’s largest media conglomerate. With their backing, ACE committed over one billion dollars to build infrastructure, fund grassroots development, create a league system, and develop talent pathways. Their plan was ambitious, but it was also methodical. They aimed to start with a manageable league size and grow over time.
To give the new league immediate credibility, ACE partnered with several Indian Premier League franchises. These included Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, and Kolkata Knight Riders. Their involvement brought not only financial investment but also access to elite-level talent, international fanbases, and operational experience.
Despite delays caused by the global pandemic, Major League Cricket was officially launched in 2023. The inaugural season included six teams; each connected to a major American city and an international cricketing brand. Venues were upgraded, marketing campaigns rolled out, and streaming partnerships secured. The stage was set for cricket’s most significant moment in U.S. history.
Turning Ballparks into Cricket Grounds
One of the greatest challenges facing Major League Cricket was the lack of proper venues. The United States had no professional cricket stadiums that met the standards seen in Australia, India, or England. To solve this problem, ACE took an innovative approach. They converted existing minor league baseball stadiums into cricket venues that could host professional matches.
The most notable transformation was Grand Prairie Stadium in Texas. Once a minor league baseball park, it was converted into a world-class cricket facility. The stadium includes a turf pitch, new seating arrangements, improved lighting, and a fan-friendly atmosphere. It can host over 7,000 fans and expands to 15,000 for major matches. This stadium became the central hub of Major League Cricket’s debut season.
Similar upgrades were made at venues in Los Angeles and North Carolina. These stadiums proved that professional cricket in the U.S. was not just possible but also practical. The ability to retrofit baseball facilities provided a fast and cost-effective way to bring matches to market without waiting for years of construction. Future seasons will include plans for new, purpose-built cricket grounds. But for now, these conversions allow the league to grow while maintaining professional standards.
IPL Franchises Fuel Major League Cricket’s Growth
Much of Major League Cricket’s credibility comes from its direct partnerships with some of the biggest brands in world cricket. Three of the six founding teams are operated by Indian Premier League franchises. These teams bring leadership, fan engagement strategies, and high-profile players to the American stage.
MI New York is backed by the Mumbai Indians, one of the most successful cricket teams globally. The Texas Super Kings are connected to the Chennai Super Kings, famous for their strategic brilliance and loyal followers. The LA Knight Riders are operated by the Kolkata Knight Riders, known for their dynamic style and massive brand reach.
These connections have helped the league attract attention not only from American fans but also from international viewers who already follow IPL teams. It also means that players who compete in India’s biggest league are now showcasing their skills in the United States. This global influence has elevated MLC from a regional experiment into a league with international relevance.
The 2023 Major League Cricket Season Set a New Standard
The inaugural season of Major League Cricket took place in July 2023. Six teams competed in a round-robin format followed by a playoff series and a championship final. The games featured exciting matchups, fast-paced innings, and remarkable individual performances.
Star players such as Nicholas Pooran, Rashid Khan, and Aaron Finch played central roles in drawing attention to the league. Their performances showed American fans what high-quality cricket looks like and built early loyalty among new followers.
The media strategy was also well-executed. Matches were broadcast on Willow TV, the primary cricket network in the U.S. Additional partnerships with Sling TV and international networks expanded access. For the first time, Americans could watch professional cricket matches live without complicated subscriptions or niche services.
The 2023 season was more than an event. It was proof that cricket can succeed in the United States when given the right platform.
Where Major League Cricket Stands Today
By 2025, Major League Cricket has established itself as a serious competitor in the American sports market. The league consists of six teams: MI New York, Texas Super Kings, LA Knight Riders, Seattle Orcas, Washington Freedom, and San Francisco Unicorns. These franchises represent key metropolitan regions with strong cricket-loving populations and expanding sports markets.
Each team includes international stars, domestic professionals, and rising talent from the Minor League Cricket system. This mix of experience and potential provides a compelling product for fans and gives young American players real opportunities.
The league plays a 34-match regular season across three cities, followed by a playoff to determine the champion. All matches carry official List-A status, meaning performances count toward players’ professional records. This has added another layer of legitimacy to MLC.
Behind the scenes, the league remains closely connected with Minor League Cricket, which now features over 80 teams. This lower-tier system helps identify and nurture talent from across the country, building a long-term player base for the professional level.
How to Watch Major League Cricket in the United States
One of the reasons Major League Cricket has gained so much traction is its accessibility. Fans can watch matches on Willow TV, the leading cricket broadcaster in the country. Willow offers full match coverage, expert commentary, and analysis designed specifically for the American market.
Sling TV also includes Willow as an optional add-on, making it easy for cord-cutters and new viewers to follow the season. Other platforms such as YouTube TV and fuboTV carry highlight packages and occasional full games. CBS Sports provides condensed recaps, expanding the league’s reach even further.
Many of these services start at just ten dollars per month, and seasonal promotions make subscribing even easier. For new fans, Sling TV offers one of the simplest ways to start following Major League Cricket. The combination of affordability, availability, and consistent coverage has made it easier than ever to become a cricket fan in the United States.
What the Future Holds for Cricket in America
The future of cricket in America is both exciting and ambitious. Major League Cricket is planning to expand the number of teams, add new cities, and build permanent stadiums. Cities such as Chicago and Atlanta are already being considered for upcoming franchises.
The league is also preparing for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where cricket will return to the Games after more than a century. This global event provides a rare opportunity to showcase American cricket talent on the world stage. MLC and USA Cricket are working together to ensure that homegrown players are ready to compete.
Youth development is another priority. Through Minor League Cricket, local academies, and junior leagues, the league is creating a strong foundation for the next generation. These programs introduce children and teens to cricket in a structured, fun, and competitive environment.
Economically, cricket is becoming a serious industry. Stadium upgrades, media rights, coaching roles, and event operations are all creating new opportunities. The sport is also strengthening cultural connections by giving immigrant communities a national league they can embrace.
Why Major League Cricket Deserves Your Attention
Major League Cricket is not just another sports league. It is a project designed to change the way Americans interact with cricket. By combining global expertise, major financial investment, and authentic local engagement, MLC is building something that has never existed before in the United States.
The league is entertaining, competitive, and culturally meaningful. It connects generations, bridges continents, and introduces millions of Americans to a new kind of thrill. With every season, MLC brings cricket closer to becoming part of everyday sports culture in the U.S.
At 365NotOut, we are committed to following every match, every team, and every breakthrough in American cricket. Stay with us as this story continues—because the journey is only getting started.
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This article covers cricket’s oldest international rivalry between the USA and Canada, dating back to a landmark match in 1844. That match between the St George’s Club of Manhattan and the Toronto Club happened 33 years before the first Ashes Test in 1877. This historic fixture set the stage for what remains the most enduring rivalry in cricket.
Fast-forward to today, and the USA vs Canada showdown has been rekindled on the global stage. The most recent being the kicking off the 2024 T20 World Cup in Dallas. Read all about the sport’s oldest rivalry HERE.
