MLS to align calendar with European leagues | OneFootball

Major League Soccer is set to shake things up in a big way. From the summer of 2027, the league will switch from its traditional February-to-December season to a European-style summer-to-spring format, aligning with the world’s top football competitions.

The decision, approved by the MLS Board of Governors in Palm Beach, Florida, comes after a two-year review and is being hailed as one of the most significant changes in the league’s history. MLS says the new schedule will allow clubs to operate more smoothly during global transfer windows and bring the league closer to international standards.

To ease into the new system, MLS will stage a transitional season from February to May 2027, featuring a condensed 14-game regular season and playoffs. The full European-style calendar will then begin in July 2027, with a winter break between mid-December and early February to give players a rest during the harshest months.

The shift also opens the door to tweaks in the league’s format. MLS is exploring adjustments to the regular season structure and the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs, blending North American traditions with global football practices - though no final decisions have yet been made.

The timing is notable: the calendar revamp arrives a year after the United States co-hosts the 2026 World Cup with Canada and Mexico, an event expected to boost soccer’s profile across North America.