Major League Soccer has announced a shift in its schedule, with the season set to start in the summer and conclude in the spring, commencing in 2027. The decision, greenlit by the league’s board of governors on Thursday, will see the MLS season kick off in mid-July, extending through April, with playoffs and the championship game slated for May.
Currently, games kick off in February, and playoffs commence in mid-October, culminating in the MLS Cup final on December 6. The revised schedule will feature a winter break from mid-December to early to mid-February, with no matches scheduled in January. Additionally, another break is planned for part of June and July to avoid overlapping with various international competitions.
Commissioner Don Garber expressed enthusiasm about the decision, stating that it marks a pivotal moment in the league’s history and will open up new opportunities to elevate MLS to a leading position globally. The 2026 season will adhere to the existing winter-winter schedule, with a transitional season scheduled from February to May 2027. This transitional phase will encompass a 14-game regular season, playoffs, and an MLS Cup, influencing club qualifications for prestigious tournaments such as the Canadian Championship, U.S. Open Cup, Leagues Cup, and CONCACAF Champions Cup.
There have been concerns raised regarding the impact of the schedule change on the league’s northernmost teams, notably Toronto FC and CF Montreal, due to their outdoor stadium venues. Garber acknowledged that while the schedule shift will affect some clubs more than others, the league aims to accommodate the majority of games within the same timeframe, including cold-weather months. The league plans to consider climate factors when structuring the new schedule to address potential weather challenges.
Several MLS clubs have expressed support for the schedule adjustment, emphasizing the long-term benefits it offers to the league. Vancouver Whitecaps’ CEO and sporting director, Axel Schuster, hailed the move as a significant milestone for MLS, aligning it more closely with major leagues worldwide. CF Montreal’s president and CEO, Gabriel Gervais, is scheduled to provide insights on the changes in a forthcoming statement.
Garber highlighted the overwhelming support for the schedule change within the league, emphasizing the collaborative effort to realize a shared vision and enhance the league’s competitiveness. The shift aligns with the FIFA calendar, reducing conflicts with international fixtures and ensuring clubs retain their key players during critical junctures of the season.
Looking ahead to the 2027 season, MLS intends to introduce further modifications, potentially transitioning to a single-table format from the current Western and Eastern Conference standings. Garber emphasized the significance of these developments in reshaping the league’s competitive structure and enhancing the overall quality of play.