Major League Soccer has announced a significant schedule change that will see the season start in the summer and conclude in the spring, beginning in 2027. The decision, approved by the league’s board of governors on Thursday, means that the MLS season will kick off in mid-July and run through April, with playoffs and the championship game scheduled for May.
In contrast to the current schedule where games start in February and playoffs begin in mid-October, the MLS Cup final is currently set to be played on December 6th. The upcoming schedule adjustment will introduce a winter break from mid-December to the beginning or middle of February, with no games scheduled for January. Additionally, there will be another break in part of June and July to align with international competitions.
Commissioner Don Garber expressed the significance of the decision, stating, “Today our owners made a decision that I think is one of the most important in our league’s history.” He emphasized that the new schedule opens up various opportunities to elevate the league’s status globally.
The 2026 season will adhere to the current winter-winter schedule, followed by a “transition season” from February to May 2027. This transitional season will include a 14-game regular season, playoffs, and an MLS Cup, determining qualifying clubs for the Canadian Championship, the U.S. Open Cup, Leagues Cup, and the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
While concerns have been raised regarding the impact on the league’s northernmost teams like Toronto FC and CF Montreal, which play in outdoor stadiums, Garber assured that 91% of games will still be played within the same timeframe, including cold-weather months. He noted that the schedule change will affect northern teams more than southern ones, but emphasized the league’s commitment to becoming a top global league.
The league intends to consider climate conditions when designing the new schedule to address potential challenges related to wintry weather and extreme heat. Despite potential weather-related obstacles, teams like TFC and CF Montreal have expressed optimism about working with MLS to ensure a smooth transition.
Furthermore, Vancouver Whitecaps’ CEO Axel Schuster hailed the schedule change as a significant milestone in the league’s history, aligning MLS more closely with major leagues worldwide. The move aims to synchronize with the FIFA calendar, preventing clubs from losing key players to national teams during crucial stages of the season.
The adjustment is expected to benefit MLS clubs during the summer transfer window, allowing them to have more player options available for a longer portion of the season. This change will enhance the league’s competitiveness and overall player quality, aligning with global football standards.
Looking ahead to the 2027 season, MLS is contemplating further modifications, potentially transitioning to a single-table format from the current Western and Eastern Conference standings. Garber emphasized the importance of implementing changes thoughtfully to enhance the league’s competitive landscape and overall quality of play.