MLS officially set for calendar change in 2027 | OneFootball

Major League Soccer’s Board of Governors has officially approved a historic change to the league’s competition calendar, voting in favor of a move to a summer-to-spring season beginning in 2027.

The decision marks one of the most significant structural shifts in MLS history, aligning the league more closely with the global football calendar used by most major competitions around the world.

“The calendar shift is one of the most important decisions in our history,” said MLS Commissioner Don Garber in a league statement.

“Aligning our schedule with the world’s top leagues will strengthen our clubs’ global competitiveness, create better opportunities in the transfer market, and ensure our Audi MLS Cup Playoffs take center stage without interruption. It marks the start of a new era for our league and for soccer in North America.”

The 2027–28 MLS regular season will kick off in mid-to-late July 2027 and conclude with the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs and MLS Cup presented by Audi in late May 2028.

MLS will observe a midwinter break from mid-December through early February, with no league matches scheduled in January.

Before the change to the new calendar, MLS will stage a transition season from February to May 2027, featuring a 14-game regular season, playoffs, and MLS Cup. The results will determine 2027 qualification for the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, Canadian Championship, Leagues Cup, and Concacaf Champions Cup.

The decision to overhaul the calendar comes after years of internal discussion and pressure from both clubs and international stakeholders.

The change is expected to improve the league’s commercial reach, opening the door for new broadcast opportunities and international exposure during the summer months, when global leagues are typically on break.

Despite broad approval from the league’s owners, the transition will present logistical hurdles. The Major League Soccer Players Association will need to negotiate adjustments to existing contracts, training schedules, and vacation periods.

Stadium infrastructure, particularly in cities like Chicago, Minneapolis, and Toronto, will require adaptation to handle colder weather in late winter and early spring, but there could be assistance on behalf of the league to facilitate those changes.

MLS will spend the next 18 months finalizing details with broadcasters, sponsors, and clubs. 

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