MLS owners vote to flip league calendar to align with global soccer schedule starting in 2027

Major League Soccer (MLS) owners officially voted on Thursday to implement a major shift in the league's competition schedule, moving to a summer-to-spring calendar starting in 2027. The decision, which follows a two-year review process, will align the North American competition with the schedule used by top global leagues, a move officials believe is crucial for increasing the league's international relevance and competitiveness.

MLS Commissioner Don Garber called the decision one of the most significant developments since the league's formation in 1995.

"The calendar shift is one of the most important decisions in our history," Garber said. "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 centre stage without interruption."

The current MLS season operates from February to December. Under the new format, the regular season is planned to run from the middle of July through April, with the playoffs staged in May. The league will incorporate a winter break, likely pausing games from the second week of December through the first or third week of February, specifically aiming to avoid restarting play during Super Bowl weekend.

The shift is primarily intended to help MLS clubs operate more effectively across global transfer windows. Under the existing schedule, the league's season often conflicts with the major summer and winter transfer periods used internationally, placing MLS clubs at a disadvantage when buying or selling players.

In addition to the calendar flip, league owners also voted to update the regular season format beginning in 2027. The league will move to a single-table competition format, supplemented by five six-team divisions, according to sources familiar with the vote. Discussions regarding the final playoff structure are reportedly ongoing.