MLS confirmed one of the most significant decisions in its history by announcing that, starting in the summer of 2027, the league will adopt a summer to spring calendar that matches what the top leagues around the world already use. The change, approved by the Board of Governors in Palm Beach, marks a new competitive and commercial chapter for soccer in North America.
Commissioner Don Garber summed up the weight of the announcement by saying that “the calendar change is one of the most important decisions in our history” and that the alignment “will strengthen the global competitiveness of our clubs” and ensure that the playoffs run “without interruptions.” The new season will begin in July 2027 and end in April 2028, with the MLS Cup set for May, no longer overlapping with FIFA dates or the final stretch of the NFL.
A format that brings the league closer to the international rhythm
Along with the calendar update, MLS also confirmed changes to the structure of the regular season. The league will no longer have conferences and will create five divisions with six clubs each. Every team will play twice against opponents in its division and once against all other teams.
The winter break will run from mid December to early February, with no games in January. The change earned support from key figures. Mauricio Pochettino said the new model is “a big step for MLS to match the top leagues in the world” and noted that aligning the calendar with international competitions will have “an extremely positive impact for players, coaches and clubs.” Gregg Berhalter also approved and said that “adopting an international calendar helps position MLS on equal footing with the best.” Clint Dempsey called the alignment “great” and added that when calendars line up “it’s easier for everyone to follow the league throughout the year.”
Another important point is the timing of the postseason. With the playoffs happening in May, the league avoids the period of heavier competition with the NFL and college sports. Executive Nelson Rodriguez explained that this is one of the most practical advantages because “there are no American football fields in use at that time.”
The 2027 transition and fan support
To implement the change without pausing the league, MLS will hold a short season from February to May 2027, with 14 matches, playoffs and qualification spots for tournaments such as the US Open Cup, the Canadian Championship, the Leagues Cup and the CONCACAF Champions Cup. The league also revealed that 92 percent of fans who follow professional soccer support the new calendar, pointing to better player performance, stronger alignment with international competitions and a more appealing postseason.
MLS isn’t abandoning its own identity, but it is taking a step that brings it closer to a global ecosystem. The change doesn’t solve everything, yet it puts the league on a clearer, more connected and more strategic path. It marks the start of a phase that promises to reshape how soccer is organized across the continent.