Major League Rugby's 2026 season kicks off today in Irvine, California, and it couldn't have asked for a more compelling opening storyline. The California Legion host their very first match as a franchise at Great Park — a brand new team born from the merger of San Diego Legion and Rugby FC Los Angeles, taking the field together for the first time in competitive rugby.
Across the pitch stands Anthem Rugby Carolina, a side that has never won an MLR match in two seasons of trying, but arrived in 2026 with their most complete roster yet and something to prove.
For the first time, fans in legal betting states can now wager on MLR action through official partner sportsbooks. Here's everything you need to know before kickoff.
At a Glance - Live Odds
| Market | DraftKings | FanDuel | Caesars |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moneyline (3-way) |
Legion -475 Anthem +350 Draw +2800 |
Legion -700 Anthem +550 Draw +2200 |
Legion -1000 Anthem +475 Draw +1600 |
| Spread | -11.5 (-110) | -12.5 (-106) | -12.5 (-115) |
| Total | O/U 57.5 (-120) | — | — |
| 📌 Line to watch DraftKings is the outlier — Legion at -475 vs. -700 on FanDuel and -1000 on Caesars. Best Anthem price: DraftKings +350. Best spread value: FanDuel +12.5 (-106). Odds as of 8:13 AM PT. | |||
The Matchup
The Legion will be an exciting team — certainly the least risk-averse in the league. Head coach Stephen Hoiles has assembled a roster that blends the best of the two California franchises, with experienced MLR names throughout. Center Billy Meakes arrives with over 70 MLR caps, 13 tries and more than 5,300 meters gained, and brings championship pedigree having won the shield with the LA Giltinis in 2021. Winger Ryan James adds further firepower with 12 tries and over 2,500 meters in 53 MLR appearances, while defensive stalwart Ronan Murphy — among the league's top tacklers last season with 172 completed stops — rounds out a roster built for both flair and physicality.
For Anthem, after two winless seasons and a 0-16 inaugural campaign, there is genuine optimism that 2026 could finally be a breakthrough year. Fly-half Luke Carty brings long-awaited stability to a position that has been unsettled, while ex-NOLA Gold skipper Moni Tonga'uiha provides veteran leadership and steel in the back row. Ten capped USA Eagles are on the roster, making this the most legitimate squad Anthem has put on the pitch. The search for win number one begins today, on the road, against a brand new team that has never played a competitive match together. Both sides have something to prove.
Breaking Down the Odds
Moneyline
The market is firmly behind the Legion at home, but there's a notable gap between books worth paying attention to. DraftKings is the softest on California at -475, while FanDuel sits at -700 and Caesars goes all the way to -1000. For Anthem backers, that same spread works in reverse — FanDuel offers +550, Caesars +475, and DraftKings +350. FanDuel is clearly the best price on an Anthem upset.
Spread
All three books have settled around the 12-point range, but the details differ. DraftKings is a half-point shorter at -11.5, which matters — a 12-point Legion win covers on DraftKings but not on FanDuel or Caesars, both sitting at -12.5. If you're taking the Legion to cover, DraftKings is the play. If you're on Anthem, FanDuel's +12.5 at -106 is the best price on the board.
Total
DraftKings is the only book currently posting a total, set at 57.5 (-120) both ways. Rugby tends to produce high-scoring affairs in MLR, and with the Legion's all-action style the market expects plenty of points in Irvine today.
Winning Margin
For those wanting more specific outcomes, both FanDuel and Caesars offer winning margin markets. The Legion winning by 15 or more is priced at +115 on FanDuel and +110 on Caesars — essentially a coin flip in the market's eyes, reflecting just how one-sided this game is expected to be. An Anthem upset by 1-7 points pays +850 on FanDuel and +750 on Caesars.
Bet on Today's Game
This is the first time MLR matches are available to bet on through major US sportsbooks. If you haven't yet signed up with one of our partner books, all three are offering welcome bonuses for new users today.
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Best for: Backing the Legion on the moneyline (-475) or locking in Anthem at the best underdog price (+350) Spread: Legion -11.5 (-110) | Anthem +11.5 (-125) Moneyline: Legion -475 | Anthem +350 | Draw +2800 |
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Best for: Anthem on the spread (+12.5 at -106) or the upset moneyline (+550) Spread: Legion -12.5 (-106) | Anthem +12.5 (-116) Moneyline: Legion -700 | Anthem +550 | Draw +2200 |
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Best for: Winning margin markets and Legion backers who want the 3-way line Spread: Legion -12.5 (-115) | Anthem +12.5 (-125) Moneyline: Legion -1000 | Anthem +475 | Draw +1600 |
Odds accurate as of 8:13 AM PT, March 28, 2026. Lines subject to change. Please check your sportsbook for the latest prices before placing a wager. This page contains affiliate links — MLR / XCLSV Media may earn a commission if you sign up through our links at no extra cost to you.
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