Major League Soccer will undergo a shift in its schedule, moving the start of the season to summer and concluding in spring beginning in 2027. The decision, greenlit by the league’s board of governors on Thursday, will see the MLS season commence in mid-July and extend through April, with playoffs and the championship game slated for May.
In the current season, matches commenced in February, with playoffs kicking off in mid-October. The MLS Cup final is scheduled for December 6. The revised schedule will feature a winter break from mid-December to early or mid-February, with no games scheduled for January. Another break is planned for part of June and July to align with various international competitions.
Commissioner Don Garber, speaking at a press conference, hailed the decision as pivotal for the league’s future growth prospects, aiming to elevate MLS to one of the premier leagues globally. The 2026 season will retain the existing winter-winter schedule, with a “transition season” set for February to May 2027. This period will encompass a 14-game regular season, playoffs, and an MLS Cup, determining the clubs qualifying for various championships.
Despite concerns raised regarding the impact on northernmost teams like Toronto FC and CF Montreal, which play in outdoor stadiums, Garber assured that approximately 91% of games will continue within the same timeframe, encompassing cold-weather months. The league intends to consider climate conditions when devising the new schedule, accounting for wintry weather and sweltering summer heat in certain regions.
Acknowledging the challenges posed by the schedule switch, Toronto FC expressed optimism in collaborating with MLS to ensure a smooth transition. Vancouver Whitecaps’ CEO and sporting director lauded the move as a significant milestone for the league, aligning MLS closer to major global leagues.
Looking ahead, MLS aims to synchronize its schedule with the FIFA calendar to prevent clubs from losing key players to national teams during critical phases of the season. The shift will also facilitate clubs in acquiring talent during the summer transfer window, ensuring a broader selection of players available for a more extended duration of the season.
As MLS progresses towards the 2027 season, additional modifications are anticipated, potentially involving a revamp of the regular-season format. Speculations suggest a move towards a single-table format from the current Western and Eastern Conference standings. Garber hinted at forthcoming enhancements, emphasizing the importance of meticulous planning and research to steer the league in the right direction.