Buffalo Thunderbolts sign letter of intent for proposed 2028 MLR entry

Major League Rugby has signed a letter of intent with the Buffalo Thunderbolts over a proposed entry in 2028, while holding expansion discussions with 17 groups, according to The Guardian. The Buffalo agreement is an initial step rather than confirmation of a franchise, with the league preparing to operate with only five teams in 2027.

MLR co-president Alex Magleby told the newspaper he hoped six of those groups would move into a formal bidding process ahead of the 2028 season, with three ultimately selected. Applicants must progress from an initial review under a letter of intent to an exclusive negotiating agreement, then obtain board approval before receiving a definitive franchise agreement. That sequence leaves Buffalo with further requirements to meet.

The expansion plans follow a sharp contraction. Founded in 2018, MLR had 13 teams by 2022, but clubs in Utah, Miami, Los Angeles, Houston and New Orleans withdrew in 2025. Six teams competed in 2026. Anthem RC, the World Rugby-backed Charlotte project, will not return next year, leaving Seattle Seawolves, Chicago Hounds, New England Free Jacks, Old Glory DC and California Legion. Seattle are the sole remaining founding club.

Magleby said new ownership groups would need operating reserves covering multiple years and suitable rugby venues on commercially favourable terms. The league also wants stronger domestic player development, community involvement and fan engagement. Its longer-term target is a return to 12 teams by 2031, with a presence in every men's World Cup host city. Those are league ambitions, not an announced expansion schedule or a confirmed list of new clubs.

Buffalo's bid involves local filmmaker and rugby supporter Joe DiPasquale alongside Mark Winokur, formerly chief operating officer of the Toronto Arrows. The Guardian reported that DiPasquale sees the area's rugby following and access to the Canadian market as advantages. Canada has had no MLR team since Toronto's departure in 2023, although Chicago's 2026 championship side included a core of Canadian players.

A playing venue remains an unresolved issue for the Thunderbolts. DiPasquale told the Buffalo News he had discussed sharing a ground with Buffalo Pro Soccer, which is seeking to join the USL Championship. According to The Guardian, that soccer project does not yet have a stadium and has postponed its intended launch twice. Securing a suitable home therefore remains part of Buffalo's proposed route into MLR.