2026 WER: Schedule, Results, How to Watch

Year 2 of Women’s Elite Rugby officially kicks off on Saturday, May 2, 2026. All six founding teams are back to compete in professional stadiums across the country for a season focused on visibility and long term growth.

The Reigning Powerhouse: Denver Onyx

Last year, the Denver Onyx didn’t just win the league; they dominated it in spectacular fashion. After finishing the regular season with a 9-1 record and a staggering +367 points differential, the Onyx capped off their campaign with a 53-13 victory over the New York Exiles in the Legacy Cup.

The championship match saw Denver rally from an early 10-0 deficit, proving their resilience before their potent offense took over. With top scorers like McKenzie Hawkins and try leaders like Erica (Rica) Coulibaly, the Onyx set a high bar that every other team is now chasing.

The Onyx continue to defend their home turf at Infinity Park in Glendale. Known as “RugbyTown USA,” this is a municipally owned, rugby specific stadium with a professional grade grass pitch built to international standards.

The Windy City Reckoning: Chicago Tempest

While Denver sits on the throne, the Chicago Tempest enter 2026 with a powerful chip on their shoulder. The inaugural season was a test of will for Chicago, who finished with a 0-10 record despite several heartbreakers. Their first ever game against Midwest rival TC Gemini was a single-digit thriller, lost just 20-15. Now, with Kristin Zdanczewicz taking over as full time head coach, the Tempest are dreaming of that first win. They showed glimpses of thunderous power last year, and 2026 could be the season they finally turn those close calls into a reckoning on the pitch.

The Tempest move to a new home at Benedictine University in Lisle. This 3,000 seat stadium provides a dedicated athletic environment with professional amenities like luxury suites and coaching booths.

The Road to Redemption: New York Exiles

The Exiles reached the summit last year but fell short in the final. Known for their grit and tactical intelligence, New York proved they could hang with anyone by handing Denver their only loss of the 2025 regular season. As they return to Memorial Field, expect the Exiles to be a disciplined, hungry squad looking to finish the job they started in Year 1.

Memorial Field, situated just north of the Bronx in Mt. Vernon, serves as a revitalized multi sport anchor for the community. It can accommodate 4,000 to 5,000 fans using a mix of traditional bleachers and open supporter areas.

The High-Octane Machine: Bay Breakers

No team finished the season with more momentum than the Bay Breakers, but they also faced the ultimate heartbreak. Despite an offense that evolved into a scoring machine, the Breakers missed out on the Championship by just a single standings point to the Exiles. They finished with 32 points compared to New York’s 33, after falling to the Onyx in the final game of the season.

The Breakers are making a major move to Heart Health Park in Sacramento for 2026, a stadium with a capacity over 11,500 and a history of hosting international rugby. They are poised to turn that high-octane rhythm into a serious title run.

The Defensive Lockdown: TC Gemini

TC Gemini established themselves as the masters of the “close call” last season. Whether it was a 5-point win in Chicago or a 2-point defensive lockdown in the rematch, the Gemini proved they have the nerves to hold the line under pressure.

The Gemini will once again call TCO Stadium in Eagan home. Connected to the Minnesota Vikings headquarters, this state of the art facility is built for all weather play, providing a perfect backdrop for their physical, defensive-first identity.

The Leading Spark: Boston Banshees

The Banshees are a team defined by explosive potential and veteran leadership. Led by Foundational Five standout Yeja Dunn, who topped the league with 12 tries last season, Boston showed they can steal games from anyone. With a split series history against the Exiles, the Banshees enter 2026 ready to prove they belong at the top of the hierarchy.

They return to their 5,000 seat fortress at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Quincy, offering an intimate and high energy atmosphere for New England fans.

Season 2 Strategy

The shift to a May kickoff ensures our domestic stars can represent their clubs after the Pacific Four Series wraps up in April. With larger venues and tickets officially on sale, Season 2 is set to be a defining moment for professional women’s rugby in the United States.

The Post-Season

While the regular season is locked in through July 26, the exact format for the 2026 post-season remains a mystery for now. Last year featured a straight shot to the Legacy Cup, but many fans are hoping for an expanded format that includes a semifinal round before the Championship match. We will be watching closely for updates on how the road to the 2026 title will look.