Major League Soccer (MLS) owners have voted to shift the league's schedule to a late-summer to spring calendar, beginning in 2027. This decision, revealed after a Board of Governors meeting in Palm Beach, Florida, aims to align MLS with the schedules of top global leagues. The move intends to boost the league's global competitiveness, create more opportunities in the transfer market, and ensure the MLS Cup Playoffs receive undivided attention.
The transition will occur in 2027, with a shortened 14-game season from February to May, followed by the playoffs and MLS Cup. The full summer-to-spring calendar will launch in July 2027 and run through April 2028, with playoffs in May 2028. The new schedule includes a winter break from mid-December to early February, with no games in January.
"The calendar shift is one of the most important decisions in our history,” stated MLS Commissioner Don Garber. He believes aligning with the world's top leagues will strengthen clubs' global competitiveness and create better opportunities in the transfer market.
The new format also brings a significant change to the league's structure. MLS will adopt a single-table format where all 30 teams compete, a departure from the traditional Western and Eastern conferences. The single table will consist of five six-team regional divisions, with teams playing their divisional 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.
This decision marks the end of the schedule MLS has maintained since its inaugural season in 1996, which started in spring or late winter and ended in the fall. The shift aims to free up players for national team duties during the summer when major international tournaments occur.
United States Manager Mauricio Pochettino expressed his support for the change, stating, "For sure this is a great step forward for MLS to be on par with the top leagues in the world,”. He added that aligning with the international calendar would positively impact players, coaches, and clubs and allow access to youth national team players during critical international competitions.
While the changes are significant, the 2026 season will remain unchanged. The regular season will still run from February to October, with the same timeline and format for the MLS Cup Playoffs.
The shift to a summer-to-spring calendar addresses several issues, including avoiding scheduling conflicts with FIFA international windows and improving access to top players in the global transfer market. It also allows the league to stage the postseason in warmer months.
Despite the benefits, concerns exist about weather challenges during the winter months for teams in colder climates. However, with a warming climate, summer matches have also become problematic due to soaring temperatures. MLS is working with the Major League Soccer Players Association to finalize the transition, addressing concerns and ensuring a smooth implementation of the new calendar.
