Major League Soccer (MLS) has announced that it will change its competition calendar to align with the schedules of top soccer leagues worldwide. Starting in the summer of 2027, MLS will move to a summer-to-spring season format. This decision was approved at the MLS Board of Governors meeting in Palm Beach, Florida.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber stated, “The calendar shift is one of the most important decisions in our history.” He added, “Aligning our schedule with the world’s top leagues will strengthen our clubs’ global competitiveness, create better opportunities in the transfer market, and ensure our Audi MLS Cup Playoffs take center stage without interruption. It marks the start of a new era for our league and for soccer in North America.”
The new regular season structure will begin in mid-to-late July 2027 and end with the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs and MLS Cup presented by Audi in late May 2028. The league will have a midwinter break from mid-December through early February, during which no matches will be played.
Before this transition, there will be a short season from February to May 2027. This period will include a 14-game regular season, playoffs, and an MLS Cup. The results from this transition season will determine qualification for several tournaments including the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, Canadian Championship, Leagues Cup, and Concacaf Champions Cup.
MLS explained that aligning its calendar with international standards is expected to help clubs participate more effectively in major transfer windows and sign players during periods when most global transfers occur. The new schedule is also designed to reduce conflicts between league matches and FIFA international match windows.
The timing of the playoffs is set to move to May, which aims to provide better weather conditions and avoid overlap with international fixtures.
This decision follows two years of review that began in October 2023. Feedback was collected from owners, club executives, players, partners, fans, and the MLS Players Association. Research found that 92% of league soccer viewers supported changing the calendar. Fans highlighted benefits such as improved player performance and better alignment with international competitions.
The league also reviewed weather patterns and logistics to ensure fan comfort during winter months. While details are still being finalized, MLS plans to limit home games in northern cities during December and February.
Although dates for starting and ending seasons are shifting, projections indicate that about 91% of matches for the 2027-28 season will still take place within what has been the traditional timeframe for MLS games.
MLS NEXT Pro has participated in discussions about these changes but has not yet made a final decision regarding its own calendar.
Additional information about upcoming seasons and competition formats is expected at a later date.
Currently, Major League Soccer operates on a schedule running from late February through early December each year.
