Major League Soccer Announces Summer-To-Spring Schedule To Match Europe

‎Major League Soccer will overhaul its competition calendar starting in 2027, shifting to a summer-to-spring season that aligns with Europe’s top leagues.

‎The change will begin with a shortened transition campaign from February to May 2027. That interim season will include a 14-game regular season, playoffs, and the MLS Cup final.

‎The first full season under the new schedule will run from mid-to-late July 2027 through late May 2028, featuring a midwinter break from mid-December to early February and no matches in January.

‎Commissioner Don Garber described the shift as “one of the most important decisions in our history.”

‎He said aligning with global calendars will enhance club competitiveness, strengthen transfer-market activity, and ensure the playoffs “take centre stage without interruption.”

‎The calendar change and a new regular-season structure were approved on Thursday at an MLS Board of Governors meeting in Palm Beach, Florida.

‎MLS said it is still working with the MLS Players Association on a transition plan and will continue reviewing potential adjustments to its playoff format.

‎Under the new footprint, MLS expects most games to stay within roughly the same weather window as today and plans to limit home dates in northern markets during December and February.

‎The league projects that 91% of matches in 2027–28 will fall within the current season’s general timeframe.

‎MLS Forward thinking

‎MLS said the change is designed to better align transfer activity with the primary summer window and give new signings time to settle before the league campaign and playoffs.

‎It also aims to reduce conflicts with FIFA international dates and summer tournaments, while moving the playoffs to May for a less crowded sports calendar and milder weather.

‎Before approving the shift, MLS carried out a two-year review that began in October 2023 and gathered input from owners, club executives, players, the players’ union, partners, and fans.

‎The league reported strong support for the change, with 92% of “league soccer viewers” in favor. The present season underscores why MLS would want to implement the change.

‎The league’s playoffs are currently underway and battling for attention amid the NFL season and US college football. Meanwhile, this year’s biggest acquisition, Son Heung-min, had to join Los Angeles FC midseason after leaving Tottenham Hotspur earlier in the year.

‎Prominent figures around US soccer backed the change.

‎”This is a great step forward for MLS to be on par with the top leagues in the world,” said US men’s coach Mauricio Pochettino.

‎”Having managed club teams and now the US National Team, the ability to align with the international calendar will have a huge positive impact for the players, coaches, and clubs.”

‎Chicago Fire coach Gregg Berhalter said the shift “helps position MLS on par with the best,” while former US captain Clint Dempsey argued that coordinating a timetable with other leagues would keep players “sharper” for national-team duty.