ESPN and Major League Rugby (MLR) have reached a multiyear media rights agreement, bringing the highest level of professional rugby in the United States to ESPN platforms. But what does that mean for MLR Viewers? 

Major League Rugby announced a groundbreaking broadcast and streaming partnership with ESPN and ESPN+, bringing rugby fans closer to the action than ever before! Starting with the 2025 season, every MLR game will stream live on ESPN+, with select matches also broadcast on ESPN2. This partnership ensures rugby enthusiasts across the United States have unprecedented access to professional rugby.

The 2025 MLR season kicks off on Saturday, February 15, with five thrilling matches, including the Free Jacks as they begin their quest for a third consecutive MLR Shield. This season promises 18 weeks of intense regular-season action, followed by two playoff rounds, all culminating in the MLR Championship on June 28.

In the New England region, the Free Jacks continue to grow their partnership with NBC Sports Boston after year-over-year double digit growth. Read More about Free Jacks and NBC here

Where to Watch Free Jacks Matches

The Free Jacks remain committed to ensuring our fans have multiple ways to enjoy the games. Here’s how you can watch:

• ESPN+: Every match, including playoffs, will be streamed live in the United States.
• NBC Sports Boston: Fans across New England can continue watching Free Jacks home games live on NBC Sports Boston.
• The Rugby Network: All matches will be live internationally on The Rugby Network and available for free streaming 72 hours after kickoff in the United States
• Select ESPN Broadcasts: Stay tuned for more details on which games will air on ESPN2.

This multi-platform approach guarantees no fan is left behind, whether you’re tuning in live or catching the action on demand.

Will Free Jacks matches only be shown on ESPN+?

No, Free Jacks matches will also air live on NBC Sports Boston for New England viewers, and all games will be streamable on The Rugby Network 72 hours after kickoff.

What matches will be broadcast on ESPN?

Details about select games airing on ESPN2 will be announced soon. The Free Jacks will release a comprehensive broadcast guide to ensure fans never miss a match.

Do I already have ESPN+?

You may already have access to ESPN+ through various streaming bundles or services, including:

• Direct ESPN+ subscription
• Hulu + Live TV (often bundled with ESPN+ and Disney+)
• Verizon Disney Bundle (includes ESPN+, Disney+, and Hulu)
• Spectrum (eligible customers may sign up at no extra cost)
• DirecTV Stream (some packages include ESPN+)

Check with your provider to confirm access or explore free trial options available through some services.

Do I have to watch on a computer?

No, ESPN+ is accessible on a wide range of smart TVs and devices, including:

• Amazon Fire TV
• Apple TV
• Chromecast
• LG and Samsung Smart TVs
• PlayStation and Xbox consoles
• Roku
• Xfinity Flex and X1 TV Box
• Xumo TV and XiOne Box
• Mobile devices via the ESPN+ app

With these options, you can watch the Free Jacks on your preferred device from the comfort of your home or on the go.

Growing Rugby in the U.S.

This partnership with ESPN represents a monumental step forward for Major League Rugby, which has seen a 25% increase in viewership year over year. As the most-watched professional rugby league in the United States, MLR continues to fuel rugby fandom nationwide. By joining forces with ESPN, the league is poised to reach even greater heights, building momentum ahead of the 2031 Rugby World Cup.

Join the Free Jacks this season as we make history on and off the pitch. See you on February 15!

About NBC SPORTS BOSTON

NBC Sports Boston reaches more than 4 million households in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont. Programming includes the Boston Celtics, Early Edition, Boston Sports Tonight, Celtics Post Up, Quick Slants, Football Day in New England including pre and post-game programs surrounding all Patriots games, CAA football, basketball and more. NBCSportsBoston.com and all of the network’s social media channels (@NBCSBoston) provide continuous news, video and in-depth, up-to-the-minute coverage of New England sports. Visit NBCSportsBoston.com for more information.

About espn

ESPN, the world’s leading multiplatform sports entertainment brand, features eight U.S. television networks, the leading sports app, direct-to-consumer ESPN+, leading social and digital platforms, ESPN.com, ESPN Audio, endeavors on every continent around the world, and more. ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst.

About espn+

ESPN+ is the No. 1 sports streaming platform, serving fans in the U.S. with exclusive access to more than 32,000 live sports events each year, an unmatched library of on-demand replays and acclaimed original content, and premium written articles by the top reporters and analysts from ESPN.com. Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $11.99 a month (or $119.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or in the ESPN App on mobile and connected devices. For more visit the ESPN+ Press Kit. 

About the free jacks

The Free Jacks are greater Boston’s explosive and excitable professional rugby team competing in Major League Rugby (MLR), the premier North American professional competition, representing all the greatness of the six New England states on and off the field. The Free Jacks aim to create unforgettable in-person experiences at their home in Quincy, MA, and deliver dynamic digital content that delights and excites fans as a community-centric, world-class entertainment company. The core brand in the portfolio is The New England Free Jacks, the humble, hard-working, free-spirited MLR Champions. We never forget that life is better together, on and off the pitch. For more information, please visit www.FreeJacks.com.

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