Major League Soccer (MLS) is set to undergo a historic shift, with the league's Board of Governors voting to adopt a fall-to-spring calendar starting in 2027. This decision, revealed after a board meeting in Palm Beach, Florida, marks a significant departure from the league's original schedule, which began in 1996 and ran from late winter/spring to the fall.
The new calendar aims to align MLS with the schedules of top European leagues. The season will now commence in mid-July, followed by a winter break in mid-December, and resume in the first or third week of February, strategically avoiding Super Bowl week. The playoffs and championship will be held in May.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber hailed the calendar shift as "one of the most important decisions in our history". He emphasized that aligning with the global soccer calendar will boost the global competitiveness of MLS clubs, create better transfer market opportunities, and ensure the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs receive uninterrupted attention.
In tandem with the calendar change, MLS will also introduce a new league format in 2027. The league's 30 teams will compete in a single table, a departure from the traditional Western and Eastern Conferences. Within the single table, there will be five six-team regional divisions. Teams will play their division rivals twice (home and away) and every other team in the league once, maintaining the current 34-game regular season. Playoff qualification will be based on the overall league table, with division winners guaranteed a postseason spot.
The move to a fall-to-spring calendar has been discussed in the context of transfer activity, with some league figures noting potential logistical advantages. FC Cincinnati head coach Pat Noonan mentioned that aligning transfer windows with Europe could ease the recruitment process for top players.
The transition to the new calendar will involve a shortened season in early 2027 to bridge the gap between the existing format and the new one. This "sprint season" of 14 matches is planned to occur roughly from February to May.
While the changes have been approved, coordination with the Major League Soccer Players Association (MLSPA), sponsors, broadcasters, and season ticket holders is underway to ensure a smooth transition. The league's current collective bargaining agreement with the MLSPA runs until January 2028, and the union would need to approve the change.
The decision to switch to a fall-to-spring calendar also considered potential weather challenges during the winter months. While some cold-weather teams may need to upgrade facilities, the rising temperatures during the summer months have also become problematic.
