Major League Soccer (MLS) is set to undergo significant transformations starting with the 2027 season, following the Board of Governors’ approval on Thursday. The league will shift from its current spring-to-fall schedule, which has been in place since it began in 1996, to a winter-to-spring format, aligning its calendar with Europe’s leading leagues. The regular season structure will be revamped into a single table featuring five or six divisions organized by geographic proximity.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber emphasized the historical significance of this calendar change, stating, “Aligning our schedule with the world’s top leagues will enhance our clubs’ competitiveness globally and create better opportunities in the transfer market.” This new schedule aims to allow the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs to take precedence without interruptions. Discussions about these changes started in April, but a formal vote was delayed to ensure thorough consideration, with the changes not expected to take effect until the 2027 season at the earliest.
The “second phase of exploration” has taken over a year of research and talks, considering how to transition MLS to a fall-to-spring rhythm, akin to that used globally in soccer. Although originally thought to coincide with the 2026 Men’s World Cup in North America, pursuing that timeline was deemed too disruptive to the league’s business operations, including sponsorship and ticket sales.
Under the new calendar, MLS regular seasons will run from mid-to-late July through April, while postseason games will be held in May. Teams will have a winter break from mid-December to January, and the second half of the regular season is likely to resume in early February, post-Super Bowl. This adjustment will also integrate additional breaks in June and July to avoid conflicting with international tournaments like the World Cup and Copa America.
To facilitate the transition, MLS will conduct a 14-game “transition season” from mid-February to May 2027. This interim period will determine entries for several cups, including the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
The new schedule will benefit MLS teams during the international transfer window, allowing teams to enhance their rosters during the offseason instead of mid-season. The revised calendar also aims to reduce player absences due to international call-ups.
Regarding regional climate considerations, MLS executive Nelson Rodriguez indicated that warmer areas will host more matches in December and February, while northern locales will see an uptick in summer games.
Transitioning from two conferences (Eastern and Western) to a single expansive table will yield five divisions based on geographic rivalry. Each team is expected to compete in a 34-game format against division rivals, alongside one match against every other MLS team. The playoff structure remains under discussion but may continue with the existing 18-team playoff format across the new structure.
In an additional announcement, starting in 2026, MLS games will be accessible without a season pass through Apple TV for a subscription fee of $12.99 monthly or $99 annually, covering all major league events like the MLS All-Star Game and playoffs. This change follows the league’s earlier decision to eliminate the playoff paywall for Apple TV subscribers.
This news is significant for soccer fans as it marks an era where MLS will be more competitive on the global stage, potentially attracting top talent and enhancing the overall quality of the league. The alignment with international schedules and the easing of viewing access through Apple TV collectively suggest a promising future for soccer in North America, fostering a deeper connection among fans and players alike.
