Major League Soccer will introduce a new schedule format, starting in 2027, shifting the season to run from summer to spring. The decision, greenlit by the league’s board of governors on Thursday, will see the MLS season commencing in mid-July and concluding in April, with playoffs culminating in May.
In the current season, matches kicked off in February, and playoffs commenced in mid-October, with the MLS Cup final slated for December 6th. The revamped schedule will incorporate a winter break from mid-December to early or mid-February, with no fixtures in January, and another break in parts of June and July to align with international competitions.
Commissioner Don Garber hailed the decision as a pivotal moment for the league, emphasizing the opportunities it presents to bolster MLS’s global standing. The 2026 season will adhere to the existing winter-winter schedule, with a transitional season slated for February to May 2027, featuring a 14-game regular season, playoffs, and an MLS Cup determining club qualifications for various championships.
Concerns have been raised about the impact on northern teams like Toronto FC and CF Montreal, which play in open-air venues. Garber noted that although the start and end dates will shift, approximately 91% of games will remain within the same timeframe, including cold-weather months. The league intends to factor in climate considerations while devising the new schedule to accommodate varying weather conditions.
Toronto FC expressed optimism about collaborating with MLS to ensure a smooth transition, acknowledging the challenges posed by weather for northern-based teams. Vancouver Whitecaps’ CEO Axel Schuster lauded the schedule change as a significant milestone, aligning MLS with major global leagues.
The shift aims to better synchronize with the FIFA calendar and mitigate player absences due to international duties during crucial periods. MLS clubs will benefit from increased player availability during the summer transfer window, enhancing squad depth and overall quality of play. Further changes are anticipated for the 2027 season, potentially including a revised regular-season format.
While MLS contemplates transitioning from conference standings to a single-table structure, Garber emphasized the importance of thorough planning and stakeholder input to ensure a seamless evolution of the league’s competition format.
