Major League Soccer (MLS) is set to shake up its schedule with a calendar change effective from the 2027 season. The league's board of governors voted unanimously to move the start date to mid-July and adopt a fall-to-spring format, mirroring that of top European leagues.
The decision marks a significant shift for MLS, which has traditionally kicked off in the spring or late winter and ended in the fall. This new format aims to align the league's schedule more closely with those of its global counterparts, strengthening team competitiveness and creating better opportunities in the transfer market.
Under the new system, the 30-team league will operate on a single table, with five six-team regional divisions that will feature teams playing each other twice (home and away) and every other team once. This format will result in a 34-game regular season.
The playoff format will also change, with qualification based on the overall league table. Division winners will secure a spot in the postseason, while the final round will feature the top teams competing for MLS Cup.
The calendar switch is designed to improve the league's global standing and give its most important games – the end of the regular season, playoffs, and MLS Cup – during a relatively conflict-free period. Gone are the days of scheduling conflicts with other major sports leagues or international breaks; instead, the 2027 season will see MLS Cup played in May, when temperatures are likely to be more favorable.
While there were valid concerns about the current schedule's impact on team competitiveness and player acquisition, commissioner Don Garber insists that this new format is a step forward for the league. "The calendar shift is one of the most important decisions in our history," he said. With the switch taking place next year, fans can expect changes to the league's style, strategy, and ultimately, its success on the pitch.
The decision marks a significant shift for MLS, which has traditionally kicked off in the spring or late winter and ended in the fall. This new format aims to align the league's schedule more closely with those of its global counterparts, strengthening team competitiveness and creating better opportunities in the transfer market.
Under the new system, the 30-team league will operate on a single table, with five six-team regional divisions that will feature teams playing each other twice (home and away) and every other team once. This format will result in a 34-game regular season.
The playoff format will also change, with qualification based on the overall league table. Division winners will secure a spot in the postseason, while the final round will feature the top teams competing for MLS Cup.
The calendar switch is designed to improve the league's global standing and give its most important games – the end of the regular season, playoffs, and MLS Cup – during a relatively conflict-free period. Gone are the days of scheduling conflicts with other major sports leagues or international breaks; instead, the 2027 season will see MLS Cup played in May, when temperatures are likely to be more favorable.
While there were valid concerns about the current schedule's impact on team competitiveness and player acquisition, commissioner Don Garber insists that this new format is a step forward for the league. "The calendar shift is one of the most important decisions in our history," he said. With the switch taking place next year, fans can expect changes to the league's style, strategy, and ultimately, its success on the pitch.
... I mean, it sounds cool and all, but have you thought about how it'll affect the teams that aren't used to playing in a fall-to-spring schedule? Like, our teams are always struggling to adjust to the heat during the summer months 
️. Will they be able to perform as well in a format where it's already warm outside?
. I mean, we had our favorite teams play during the summer months when everyone else was on vacation... now it'll be all about work and school again for us fans 
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. Maybe it'll bring some good changes to the league, but we should also consider how it might affect our beloved teams and fans first 
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. It's about time they aligned themselves with the big boys in Europe, you know? The current schedule was always a bit of a mess, what with all the conflicting dates and scheduling woes. This change will definitely bring some much-needed stability to the league.
The playoffs will be more competitive, no doubt about it. Plus, scheduling conflicts are outta the picture now. Can't wait to see how this new format plays out in 2027...
. Still, I'm hopeful that commissioner Garber's got our best interests at heart, and this change is all about taking the league to the next level 
.
... wait, no I'm not 
. Like, think about it, our season will be SO busy from May to November 
... that's a lot of football games! And what about the playoffs? Qualifying for the postseason is gonna be super competitive, maybe even too competitive 
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... not to mention the added stress for fans trying to keep up with every game 
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. Can't wait to see how it all plays out! 
. And aligning with European leagues will definitely level up our competitiveness 
. Still, I think it's a step in the right direction and can't wait to see how this new format plays out on the pitch 
. Give me more info on the regional divisions tho! 