Major League Cricket Teams Explained: Who’s Who in MLC 2025

Cricket in America is no longer a punchline — it’s a headline. With the explosive growth of the T20 format and the rise of Major League Cricket, the United States now boasts a franchise league with international stars, serious money, and an eye on the future. But who exactly are the teams turning heads in the 2025 season?

From Silicon Valley-backed franchises to IPL offshoots with global pedigree, the Major League Cricket teams represent a melting pot of ambition, culture and sporting strategy. Each franchise carries its own personality — some dripping with cricketing legacy, others pushing the envelope in branding and innovation.

In this breakdown, we explore the six teams that make up MLC 2025 — what they stand for, who’s backing them, who’s on the roster, and what makes each one unique. Whether you’re a curious American sports fan or a lifelong cricket tragic keeping tabs from abroad, this guide will get you up to speed on who’s who in one of cricket’s fastest-growing leagues.

Because to understand where cricket in the US is heading, you have to understand the teams taking it there.

1. Los Angeles Knight Riders: The Glamour and the Muscle

The Los Angeles Knight Riders are arguably the most high-profile franchise in MLC — and for good reason. Backed by Red Chillies Entertainment, the same ownership group behind the IPL’s Kolkata Knight Riders (read: Bollywood’s Shah Rukh Khan), LAKR brings Hollywood glam to American cricket. This team isn’t just playing matches — it’s building a brand.

Among all Major League Cricket teams, LAKR leans hardest into spectacle. Their purple-and-gold branding, social media presence, and promotional content reflect a deep understanding of what it takes to win hearts off the pitch as well as on it.

But they’re not just hype merchants. The squad features a powerful core of T20 veterans, including Andre Russell and Sunil Narine — stalwarts of the Knight Riders franchise universe. In 2025, they’ve also added a few rising stars from the Caribbean and South Asia, giving them both experience and future firepower.

Strategically, LAKR is aggressive. Their batting line-up is built for boundary-hitting, and they’ve recruited fast bowlers who can exploit the bouncier pitches in American stadiums. What they still need is consistency — their 2023 and 2024 campaigns showed flashes of brilliance but also worrying collapses.

Still, as far as brand value and international recognition go, LAKR is leading the way. For many, they are the face of MLC — loud, bold, and impossible to ignore.

2. MI New York: Mumbai’s American Powerhouse

When the Mumbai Indians enter a room — or a league — they don’t just show up, they take over. MI New York is the American arm of India’s most successful T20 franchise, and it shows. With the resources of Reliance Industries behind them, they’ve gone all-in on building a winning machine from the get-go.

In the conversation around Major League Cricket teams, MI New York stands out for its professionalism and polish. From coaching to data analytics, every piece of their operation screams IPL-level sophistication. And they’ve brought that same mindset to MLC.

Their squad reflects global reach: big-name players like Nicholas Pooran, Trent Boult, and Kieron Pollard have been central to their early success. In 2024, they were the most balanced team in the league — combining explosive batting with disciplined bowling and sharp fielding.

What also sets them apart is their youth development. MI New York is already scouting talent from local American leagues, with the goal of producing home-grown stars who can carry their brand forward for years to come.

On the pitch, they’re ruthless. Off it, they’re building a cricketing empire. In the MLC vs IPL narrative, MI is the one franchise that genuinely feels like a bridge between both worlds.

3. Texas Super Kings: Chennai’s Southern Cousins

Everything’s bigger in Texas — and that includes cricket dreams. The Texas Super Kings, backed by Chennai Super Kings ownership and local partners, are bringing the spirit of yellow to American soil. With a loyal Tamil diaspora in cities like Dallas and Houston, this franchise hit the ground running with built-in fan enthusiasm.

Among the Major League Cricket teams, TSK is the one most connected to Indian cricket tradition. Their branding, chants, and even squad construction mirror CSK’s IPL blueprint — experienced captains, dependable all-rounders, and a team-first mentality.

In 2025, they’ve retained Devon Conway and Mitchell Santner while also exploring new signings from the West Indies and Australia. Their strategy leans toward consistency over flash — building innings patiently, keeping bowling tight, and trusting their fielding to create pressure.

What’s interesting is how well they’ve embedded themselves in the Texan sports ecosystem. Their stadium activations include food trucks, local music acts, and cultural nights celebrating everything from Diwali to Independence Day — Indian and American.

Their challenge now? Delivering silverware. TSK has the fans, the pedigree, and the financial muscle. If they can start winning consistently, they’ll become one of the pillars of the league.

4. Seattle Orcas: The Cool Kids of MLC

If MLC were a high school, the Seattle Orcas would be the effortlessly cool kid that everyone wants to sit next to. Sleek branding, a progressive ethos, and savvy recruitment make the Orcas one of the most intriguing Major League Cricket teams in the mix.

Seattle doesn’t have a deep cricketing tradition, but it does have a tech-savvy, diverse population that MLC sees as a major growth market. The Orcas have capitalised on this with community outreach, stylish merch drops, and an Instagram game that rivals some professional NBA franchises.

On the field, they’ve assembled a dynamic squad that blends experience and flair. Quinton de Kock, Heinrich Klaasen, and Wayne Parnell provide the backbone, while younger American and Canadian players get game time under elite guidance.

Tactically, they’re fearless. High-risk, high-reward batting strategies define their approach, and they’re not afraid to tinker with line-ups or deploy unconventional field settings.

More than any other franchise, the Orcas are trying to build a culture. One that says cricket in America doesn’t have to be stuck in tradition — it can be sleek, urban, and future-forward.

Whether that translates into a title remains to be seen, but one thing’s certain: Seattle is watching.

5. San Francisco Unicorns: Tech, Grit and Firepower

Among the Major League Cricket teams, no franchise is more emblematic of the Silicon Valley spirit than the San Francisco Unicorns. From the name to the strategy, this team screams innovation — and they’re doing things differently both on and off the pitch.

Backed by tech entrepreneurs and investors with strong ties to venture capital, the Unicorns are building not just a cricket side, but a brand that feels like a start-up. They’re into data analytics, player fitness metrics, and content-first marketing — all very on-brand for the Bay Area.

On the cricketing front, they’ve attracted serious international talent. Corey Anderson leads the side, with Liam Plunkett and Marcus Stoinis offering veteran steel. But perhaps more impressively, the Unicorns have shown real commitment to American players, with local talent getting substantial playing time and coaching resources.

Their playing style is aggressive — fast scoring, clever fielding tactics, and a willingness to experiment with line-ups. If there’s one franchise you’d bet on to be ahead of the curve tactically, it’s the Unicorns.

They’re still finding their consistency in the league table, but in terms of vision and future-facing cricket, San Francisco may just be the team of tomorrow.

6. Washington Freedom: The Capital’s Cricketing Charge

Bringing cricket to the US capital was always going to be a statement, and Washington Freedom has embraced that challenge. This franchise has leaned into a message of unity, diversity and ambition — echoing the very ideals of the city it represents.

Of all the Major League Cricket teams, Freedom feels the most American in ethos. Their branding features red, white and blue; their social campaigns promote inclusivity; and their match-day experiences are tailored to engage both cricket fans and total newcomers.

Co-owned by Australia’s New South Wales Cricket and American investors, the team has taken a hybrid approach to talent development. They’ve drafted in experienced international players like Moises Henriques and Marco Jansen, while also mentoring USA-based cricketers through structured training camps and academies.

Washington Freedom’s style of play is high-energy. They chase down totals with intent, employ wrist-spin options tactically, and rotate their squad intelligently. In 2024, they made a strong push for the playoffs, surprising pundits who wrote them off as underdogs.

Their long-term vision includes a state-of-the-art cricket facility in the DC metro area, making them one of the most infrastructure-conscious teams in MLC.

If the league succeeds nationally, Washington Freedom will be a big reason why.

7. Which Major League Cricket Teams Are Dominating So Far?

While it’s still early in MLC’s history, trends are emerging — and some Major League Cricket teams are clearly setting the pace.

MI New York lead the pack in terms of professionalism and consistency. Their IPL DNA shows in how they construct squads, run operations, and execute under pressure. They were crowned champions in 2023 and remain the benchmark for excellence.

Texas Super Kings, despite some ups and downs, are growing in stature. Their solid fan base and tactical discipline make them tough opponents, especially on home turf in Grand Prairie.

Seattle Orcas and LA Knight Riders are both building momentum — the former with innovation and consistency, the latter with flair and firepower. Meanwhile, Washington Freedom is punching above its weight, becoming the dark horse of the league.

San Francisco Unicorns are still chasing stability, but their tech-driven approach suggests they could disrupt the hierarchy soon.

In short, MLC is more competitive than it might appear. While the IPL still dwarfs it in scale, within the American context, these franchises are already carving out identities and rivalries that will only intensify as seasons go on.

8. Future Franchises and Expansion: What’s Next for MLC Teams?

Six teams is just the beginning. In the long-term roadmap for Major League Cricket teams, expansion is inevitable — and strategic.

MLC executives have hinted at growing the league to 8–10 teams by 2026 or 2027. Target cities include Chicago, Atlanta, and Toronto (yes, cross-border expansion is on the table), chosen for their cricket-savvy populations and infrastructure potential.

New franchises will likely adopt similar IPL-affiliation or diaspora-backed models, blending international legitimacy with local fan engagement. Existing teams may get regional academies, strengthening pipelines for home-grown talent.

There’s also talk of women's MLC teams in the future — aligning with global momentum around women’s T20 leagues like the WPL and The Hundred.

But expansion must be measured. Stadium readiness, media contracts, and player availability all affect how fast the league can grow. What’s promising is that MLC’s current ownership groups aren’t just focused on immediate ROI — they’re playing the long game.

If the sport continues its rise in America, the 2025 roster of six could soon look modest. And with cities lining up to join, the real question isn’t if the league will expand — it’s who’s next?

Conclusion: The Future of Major League Cricket Teams

As cricket finally finds a foothold in the US, the heart of its success lies in the franchises bringing it to life. The current crop of Major League Cricket teams are more than just squads — they’re ambassadors of the game in a new land.

Each team has a distinct flavour. Some bring IPL legacy, others Silicon Valley swagger. Some focus on diaspora pride, others on American integration. And collectively, they’re building something the cricket world hasn’t seen before: a truly transcontinental league that speaks multiple sporting languages.

There’s still a long road ahead — from talent development to TV ratings. But the foundation is strong. If these franchises continue to blend local identity with global appeal, MLC won’t just survive — it’ll shape the next frontier of the sport.

Because in the end, teams don’t just play the game. They grow the game. And the Major League Cricket teams of 2025 are doing just that — one over at a time.