Major League Soccer (MLS) announced it will change its competition calendar to align with top international soccer leagues. Starting in the summer of 2027, MLS will adopt a summer-to-spring season format. The decision was approved at the MLS Board of Governors meeting in Palm Beach, Florida.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber stated, “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 league and for soccer in North America.”
The 2027–28 regular season is set to begin in mid-to-late July 2027 and end with playoffs and MLS Cup presented by Audi in late May 2028. The league plans to have a midwinter break from mid-December through early February, with no matches scheduled during January.
A transition season will be held from February to May 2027 before moving to the new calendar. This period will include a shortened regular season and playoffs that determine qualification for tournaments such as the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, Canadian Championship, Leagues Cup, and Concacaf Champions Cup.
The decision follows two years of review starting in October 2023, which included input from owners, executives, players, partners, and fans. Research found that most viewers supported the change; according to MLS data cited during this process, 92% of people who watched at least one professional club match last season favored aligning with international schedules.
MLS also reviewed weather conditions and logistics to maintain fan experience standards. The league aims to reduce home matches in northern markets during December and February but projects that about 91% of games for the 2027–28 season will occur within today’s general timeframe.
MLS NEXT Pro has been involved in discussions regarding these changes and further decisions are expected after ongoing talks with team owners.
Several figures from across U.S. soccer commented on the announcement:
Mauricio Pochettino said: “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.”
Gregg Berhalter added: “The beauty of MLS is how it has evolved over the years, and another step in that evolution is aligning with the top leagues in the world. Moving to an international calendar helps position MLS on par with the best.”
Clint Dempsey stated: “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.”
Brad Sims commented: “Soccer is already seeing incredible levels of growth in North America, and aligning the league’s schedule to follow the international calendar provides us with the best opportunity to continue building off this momentum. We look forward to competing under this new league format and welcoming everyone to Etihad Park for its inaugural season in 2027.”
Will Kuntz noted: “Moving to an international calendar is going to be a massive game changer especially for roster building. It finally allows us operate in sync with global transfer market we’ll be able sign players when biggest talent movement happens – summer – instead midseason when integration difficult.”
David Lee said: “I believe change our competition calendar has potential transformational benefits years come while majority footprint matches remain same current schedule moving Audi MLS Cup Playoffs most important period less cluttered domestic sports landscape while also avoiding playoffs being interrupted by international FIFA windows significant improvement.”
Additional details about upcoming seasons and formats are expected later.
