What MLS could look like with five six-team divisions 🏟️ | OneFootball

What MLS could look like with five six-team divisions 🏟️ | OneFootball

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Adam Booker·12 November 2025

What MLS could look like with five six-team divisions 🏟️

Article image:What MLS could look like with five six-team divisions 🏟️

After Wednesday's bombshell report revealed that MLS could change from a two-conference format to a five-division format if the proposed Fall-Spring calendar shift is approved by club owners, a new future in North America can be envisioned. 

A divisional format could emphasize geography, potentially reduce travel, and strengthen regional rivalries. 


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Here is how it could look...

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Northeast Division

- New York City FC

- New York Red Bulls

- New England Revolution

- Philadelphia Union

- Toronto FC

- CF Montréal


Midwest Division

- FC Cincinnati

- Chicago Fire

- St. Louis City

- Sporting Kansas City


Southeast Division

- DC United

- Charlotte FC 

- Inter Miami

- Orlando City


Northwest Division

- Portland Timbers

- Vancouver Whitecaps

- San Jose Earthquakes

- Colorado Rapids

- Real Salt Lake


Southwest Division

- LAFC

- LA Galaxy

- San Diego FC

- Austin FC

- FC Dallas

- Houston Dynamo


According to reporting in The Athletic, the league could change schedule and format as early as 2027. 

Each team would face divisional opponents home and away, plus one match against every other team, for a total of 34 fixtures.

Division winners would automatically qualify for the playoffs, though the broader postseason structure remains under discussion.

We could be on the path to a new future in North America! 


📸 Maddie Meyer - 2023 Getty Images

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