MLS to make major changes to schedule, broadcasts

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FanSided MLS

·14 November 2025

MLS to make major changes to schedule, broadcasts

Major League Soccer announced on Thursday that it will shift its competition calendar to align with the top European leagues, such as the Bundesliga, Premier League, and La Liga. Set to begin in the summer of 2027, MLS will move to a summer-spring season format.

In addition to the transition, the league will also introduce a new regular-season format that blends elements of the game with traditions from North America. MLS will review potential adjustments to the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs, but those adjustments are yet to be finalized.

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"The calendar shift is one of the most important decisions in our history. 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 leauge and for soccer in North America."MLS Commissioner Don Garber

2027-28 Season Structure

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

MLS will also observe a midwinter break from mid-December through the early days of February, with zero league matches being played in January.

Just before the change, MLS will hold a makeshift season from February to May 2027, featuring a 14-game regular season, playoffs, and MLS Cup, with qualifying factors determining qualification for the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, Canadian Championship, Leagues Cup, and the Concacaf Champions Cup.

"For sure, this is a great step forward for MLS to be on par with the top leagues in the world. Having managed club teams and now the U.S. National Team, the ability to align with the international calendar will have a huge positive impact for the players, coaches and clubs. This also extends beyond the senior national teams; it will allow us to have access to the youth national team players during critical periods of international competition, further advancing their development."Mauricio Pochettino, USMNT Head Coach

The decision comes after a two-year review process that began in October 2023 and included feedback from owners, club executives, players, the MLSPA, partners, and fans. The research conducted throughout the process revealed strong support, with 92% of league soccer viewers in favor of the calendar change.

MLS also analyzed weather and logistics to ensure a high-quality fan experience. Though the final schedule blueprint is still in the works, MLS intends to limit the number of home matches in the northernmost markets during December and February.

"Having MLS on the same timetable as the rest of the world is great. Whether you're in MLS, Europe or anywhere else, being aligned means players are sharper when they get called into camp and it's easier for everyone -- players, coaches, and fans -- to follow the game year-round."Clint Dempsey, Former USMNT Captain

MLS to move from MLS Season Pass Subscription

Also thrown in the mix, starting next year, MLS and Apple have agreed to shift the partnership away from MLS Season Pass, making games available on the Apple TV streaming service, as reported by Paul Tenorio of The Athletic.

With MLS Season Pass set to be discontinued, MLS will make ALL matches available to Apple TV subscribers, starting at the start of the 2026 MLS season.

This comes after MLS and Apple signed a 10-year agreement that cost $2.5 billion in 2023. Though the subscription service did not sit well with fans -- putting matches behind a paywall that cost $99 for an annual plan -- fans alike, both near and far, can watch their favorite team without having to pay for two subscriptions on Apple TV.