Ever since rugby has made its return to the Olympics in 2016, the number of players, clubs, and interest has skyrocketed in the US. Before the 2016 Summer Olympics, rugby in America was small and not well known. The USA had a national team, but could never compete at a high level, and never had the exposure like it does in some countries. Since the USA placed fourth in the Olympics, interest and sales of USA rugby has skyrocketed. In 2015, the year before the Olympics USA reported a total of $14.1 million in revenue. This comes from rugby club dues, apparel and ticket sales. In 2018 they reported $27.4 million in revenue. This increase comes from not only the Olympics, but the creation of the MLR, Major League Rugby, in the US. With the founding of the MLR in 2017, rugby really got a foot into the professional sports world of the US. With the league growing from 11 to 14 teams in 2020, things are looking up for rugby in America. With strong backing, and the ability to introduce kids to the sport earlier, the US might have a chance at becoming a powerhouse in rugby in a few short years.
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