Major League Soccer has approved a schedule change that will see the season starting in the summer and ending in the spring, commencing in 2027. The decision, announced by the league’s board of governors on Thursday, will result in the MLS season kicking off in mid-July and running through April, with playoffs and the championship game taking place in May.
Previously, games began in February with playoffs starting in mid-October, and the MLS Cup final scheduled for December 6. The new schedule will feature a winter break from mid-December to mid-February, with no games in January, as well as another break in part of June and July to align with international competitions.
Commissioner Don Garber expressed the significance of this decision at a press conference, stating that it opens up various opportunities to enhance the league’s global standing. The 2026 season will maintain the current winter-winter schedule, followed by a “transition season” from February to May 2027, featuring a 14-game regular season, playoffs, and an MLS Cup determining clubs’ qualification for various championships.
There have been concerns raised regarding the impact of the schedule change on northern teams like Toronto FC and CF Montreal, given their outdoor stadium locations. Garber mentioned that while the start and end of the season will shift, approximately 91% of games are expected to remain within the same timeframe, including cold-weather months.
The league intends to consider climate conditions when devising the new schedule to address challenges posed by wintry weather and extreme heat. Although some teams may be more affected than others by the schedule adjustment, the league remains committed to elevating its status in the global soccer landscape.
Despite potential challenges, Toronto FC expressed optimism about collaborating with MLS to ensure a smooth transition. Vancouver Whitecaps’ CEO Axel Schuster hailed the move as a significant milestone for the league, emphasizing its positive impact on soccer’s growth in the region.
CF Montreal’s president and CEO Gabriel Gervais is scheduled to provide insights on the changes, while Garber highlighted overwhelming support for the schedule shift. The alignment with the FIFA calendar aims to prevent clubs from losing key players during crucial stages of the season to national team duties.
The schedule adjustment is set to enhance player availability, improve the quality of play in MLS, and mirror practices seen in major leagues worldwide. Further changes are anticipated ahead of the 2027 season, with discussions on altering the regular-season format from conference standings to a single-table system underway. Garber emphasized the league’s commitment to evolving and enhancing its competition format to elevate the overall league quality.
