BUFFALO, NY – Major League Rugby (MLR) today announced it has signed a letter of intent with a Buffalo ownership group led by Joe DiPasquale and Mark Winokur.
The group is now an MLR 2028 Expansion Candidate, working toward a professional rugby team in Buffalo that would begin play in the 2028 season.
“Buffalo is one of America’s great sports cities, and we would be excited to welcome Major League Rugby to our community,” Mayor Sean Ryan said. “I’m proud to support Joe DiPasquale and Mark Winokur’s efforts to bring an expansion team to Buffalo. This is an opportunity to build on our city’s proud sports tradition, introduce more people to rugby, and give our fans another team to rally behind.”
The expansion process is part of MLR’s vision to build toward 12 teams by the 2031 Men’s Rugby World Cup, which will be held in the United States.
"Rugby has been an instrumental part of my life since I was a very young man, when I played for SUNY Fredonia, and I later founded the Kenmore Rugby Club and coached kids in the sport for many years,” said New York State Assemblyman Bill Conrad, 140th District. “I love the game and what it did for my personal growth, my physical fitness and self-discipline, and my understanding of teamwork and leadership. I embrace any opportunity to introduce more of the world to the sport, and Buffalo offers an already strong base of rugby players, boosters, and fans. I couldn't agree more that it's a logical locale for an MLR expansion!"
