MLS shifting to new schedule, starting in 2027

Main League Soccer shall be shifting its schedule to align the league’s schedule with the world’s high soccer leagues.

Beginning within the Summer season of 2027, MLS will undertake a summer-to-spring season format, the league introduced Thursday. The calendar transition and the brand new common season construction have been authorized throughout at the moment’s MLS Board of Governors assembly in Palm Seaside, Florida.

The league may even overview potential changes to its MLS Cup Playoffs format as a part of an ongoing analysis course of however has not but finalized any modifications. MLS is constant to work with the MLS Gamers Affiliation (MLSPA) to finalize settlement on a transition plan.

“The calendar shift is without doubt one of the most vital selections in our historical past,” mentioned MLS Commissioner Don Garber. “Aligning our schedule with the world’s high leagues will strengthen our golf equipment’ world competitiveness, create higher alternatives within the switch market, and guarantee our Audi MLS Cup Playoffs take middle stage with out interruption. It marks the beginning of a brand new period for our league and for soccer in North America.”

The 2027–28 MLS common season will kick off in mid-to-late July 2027 and conclude with the MLS Cup Playoffs and MLS Cup Remaining in late Could 2028. Just like many different main worldwide leagues, MLS will observe a midwinter break from mid-December by means of early February, with no league matches scheduled in January.

Previous to the brand new calendar change, MLS will stage a transition season from February to Could 2027, that includes a 14-game common season, playoffs, and MLS Cup. The outcomes will decide 2027 qualification for the U.S. Open Cup, Canadian Championship, Leagues Cup, and CONCACAF Champions Cup.

These modifications are a part of a two-year overview course of that began again in October 2023. Preliminary projections for the 2027–28 season point out that 91% of matches will fall throughout the present MLS season window.

One other key change of the calendar will considerably cut back conflicts between MLS league matches and nationwide staff call-ups for gamers, notably throughout summer season tournaments. A few of MLS’ match weekends this previous season have fallen on the worldwide break for a lot of different high leagues.

Further particulars concerning the 2027 transition season, 2027–28 common season, and new competitors codecs shall be introduced at a later date.

The swap to the brand new format is not going to have an effect on the 2026-27 MLS schedule.