MLS Board Approves Historic Calendar Shift to Align with International Leagues

The Major League Soccer (MLS) Board of Governors has voted to align the league’s schedule with the international soccer calendar, transitioning to a summer-to-spring format beginning in 2027.

Currently, MLS operates from February to November, which differs from most international leagues. MLS Commissioner Don Garber emphasized the importance of this shift, stating, “The calendar shift is one of the most important decisions in our history. 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 center stage without interruption. It marks the start of a new era for our league and for soccer in North America.”

Under the new calendar, the season will commence in mid-July and conclude in the spring, with Decision Day occurring in April and the MLS Cup playoffs in May. A winter break will be introduced to prioritize player recovery, pausing the league from mid-December to early or mid-February. Over 90% of matches are expected to occur within the league’s existing footprint.

This calendar adjustment will synchronize MLS with the international transfer windows, enhancing the clubs’ ability to engage in the global transfer market. Currently, the primary transfer window for MLS spans from January 31 to April 23, while most international leagues conduct player transfers during a traditional summer window.

The new schedule, slated to start the year following the co-hosting of the 2026 World Cup by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, has garnered support from FIFA President Gianni Infantino. In a statement on Instagram, he remarked, “With the FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States on the horizon, this calendar announcement marks an important and timely step forward for Major League Soccer. Over the past 30 seasons, MLS has steadily built a strong foundation and established itself as one of the best leagues in North America. By aligning with the International Match Calendar, MLS is positioning itself for a new era of both domestic and global growth at the club level after next year’s game-changing FIFA World Cup — a tournament that is set to ignite unprecedented passion for football all across the continent.”

In 2027, MLS will conduct a shortened season from February to May, culminating in the crowning of an MLS Cup champion before officially transitioning to the summer/spring calendar. Nelson Rodriguez, MLS Executive Vice President of Sporting and Competition, stated, “We will have an MLS regular season that crowns an MLS champion. We will award Concacaf Champions Cup spots based on performance in that MLS season. We expect the U.S. Open Cup and the Canadian Championship to continue to exist, and this MLS season will also serve as a qualifier for the Leagues Cup. Less matches will be played overall, but we will maintain a full playoff and an MLS Cup championship.”

Rodriguez also confirmed that a vote on the competition format took place, although specific details remain under discussion. Despite the approval from the Board of Governors, the league continues to negotiate with the MLS Players Association (MLSPA), which may pose potential challenges. Rodriguez noted that there has been “very good dialogue” with the MLSPA, yet another source indicated that discussions were “teetering.”

Reports from ESPN suggest that the primary concerns for the MLSPA center around the league’s reluctance to commit to fixed dates for the schedule changes, as well as the length of the offseason. A shorter offseason could complicate player movement through free agency, a significant issue that the MLSPA has advocated for in multiple collective bargaining agreements.

The last CBA, ratified in 2021, was marked by contentious negotiations which led to the league rolling back significant gains for the MLSPA, including a $150 million concession to avoid pay cuts. MLS was also able to extend the CBA for an additional two years, lasting through 2027.

More recently, tensions arose over bonuses related to the FIFA Club World Cup, leading the union to exert leverage during ongoing discussions with MLS. Garber had previously hinted at the possibility of a calendar change, noting the rationale behind aligning with international leagues. Although the motion was not passed during the summer meeting, ongoing discussions ultimately led to Thursday’s confirmation of the switch.

“We’re not making any announcements today, but we continue to do an enormous amount of work with our fans, partners, chief soccer officers, and clubs to get ourselves closer to the point where we’re able to make that decision,” Garber stated in July. “But we believe that alignment is something that makes sense.”

ESPN’s Jeff Carlisle contributed to this report.