MLS to Realign Schedule with International Calendar Starting in 2027
The board of governors for Major League Soccer (MLS) has decided to synchronize the league’s competitive calendar with that of international soccer, transitioning the regular season to a summer-to-spring format beginning in 2027. Currently, MLS operates from February to November, which diverges from most international leagues.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber stated, “This calendar shift is one of the most significant decisions in our history. Aligning with the world’s top leagues will enhance our clubs’ competitiveness internationally, provide more opportunities in the transfer market, and ensure that our Audi MLS Cup Playoffs are highlighted without interruptions.” He expressed that this marks the beginning of a new chapter for soccer in North America.
The revamped schedule will commence in mid-July and extend through the spring, concluding with Decision Day in April and MLS Cup playoffs scheduled for May. A winter hiatus will be implemented to prioritize player recovery, with league activities paused from mid-December until early to mid-February.
More than 90% of the matches are anticipated to continue in the same geographic regions as the current arrangements. The new alignment is designed to coincide with international transfer windows, allowing MLS clubs to engage more readily in the global player market. The existing primary transfer window for MLS runs from January 31 to April 23, while most leagues worldwide manage transfers during the conventional summer window.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino voiced his support for the new calendar, which will take effect after the 2026 World Cup jointly hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. He remarked on Instagram, “As we approach the FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, this calendar update represents a crucial advancement for Major League Soccer.” Infantino highlighted the foundation MLS has built over the past 30 years and expressed confidence that aligning with the International Match Calendar will foster domestic and global growth post-2026 World Cup.
In 2027, MLS will conduct a shortened season from February to May, culminating in the crowning of a new MLS Cup champion before permanently shifting to the summer/spring format. Nelson Rodriguez, MLS’s executive vice president for sporting and competition, confirmed, “We will have an MLS regular season that determines the champion and allocates spots based on performance for the Concacaf Champions Cup, alongside ongoing competitions such as the U.S. Open Cup and the Canadian Championship.” He acknowledged that while there will be fewer matches, playoffs will still occur as planned.
Although a vote favoring the schedule adjustment has been passed, negotiations with the MLS Players Association are ongoing, and potential issues could arise. Discussions have reportedly been constructive, although concerns have been noted regarding the absence of fixed dates for the new schedule and the length of the offseason, which could impact player movement and free agency options.
Previous negotiations regarding player contracts have had contentious moments, with MLS having successfully renegotiated terms leading to a two-year extension of the collective bargaining agreement through 2027. Recently, conflicts arose surrounding bonuses related to the FIFA Club World Cup, demonstrating the union’s push for influence in ongoing discussions.
Garber hinted at the possible schedule change earlier in the summer, noting that synchronization with international leagues would be beneficial. Although the board had not approved the motion earlier this year, it was brought back for discussion and ultimately confirmed.
Contributions to this report were made by ESPN’s Jeff Carlisle.
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