MLS Announces Calendar Change

Major League Soccer has announced a total change to the league format as the Board of Governors has approved a move to schedule that sees teams play closer to the European calendar. Beginning in 2027, MLS will adopt a Summer-to-Spring schedule as opposed to Spring-to-Winter which is currently in affect.

“The calendar shift is one of the most important decisions in our history,” said commissioner Don Garber. “Aligning our schedules 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.”

Since their inception, MLS has been at odds with European leagues as it runs against NFL, NHL and NBA regular season schedules. Their only opposition during the middle of the regular season has been MLB games, narrowly avoiding the busier parts of the sports calendar over the summer. Now, the move will put them in line with other American sports leagues and add another element of competitiveness to produce a product that catches the mainstream attention.

The schedule adjustment will be padded with a 14-game transition season in 2027 between February and May with the intention on determining qualification for the US Open Cup and Leagues Cup. This competition will also include playoffs and a truncated MLS Cup final.

The transition is one of the most dramatic in league history and will have to be an adjustment to NYCFC and Red Bull New York fans who are not accustomed to game during the winter months.