MLS Announces Extended Summer Transfer Window for 2026 Season

The Major League Soccer (MLS) summer transfer window, also referred to as the secondary window, will extend into September for the 2026 season. This change is part of the league’s ongoing efforts to synchronize its schedule with global soccer practices.

In a statement released on Thursday, the league noted, “With the Secondary [transfer] Window extending into the month of September for the first time in two decades, excluding the COVID-19 adjusted 2020 season, the conclusion of the MLS window will align with top leagues around the world. This alignment provides MLS teams with a greater opportunity to acquire high-quality international talent as they strive for success in the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs.”

The revised secondary transfer window will operate from July 13 to September 2, while the primary transfer window will commence on January 26 and conclude on March 26.

During the 2025 season, MLS attracted notable international players through the secondary window, including Son Heung-Min (LAFC), Rodrigo De Paul (Inter Miami CF), and Thomas Müller (Vancouver Whitecaps FC). In total, MLS signed 10 designated players during this window and an additional 12 players through the U22 initiative.

This announcement comes on the heels of a previous declaration in November regarding the league’s transition to a summer-to-spring regular season format beginning in 2027. Unlike most international leagues, which operate from August to May, MLS currently plays from February to November.

However, potential challenges may arise regarding the summer-to-spring schedule change, particularly as ESPN’s Jeff Carlisle reported last week that the Major League Soccer Players Association has yet to approve the proposed calendar change.

Thursday’s announcement also specified key deadlines for roster compliance (February 20) and roster freeze (October 9) for the 2026 season. Additionally, the league has made significant amendments, including the removal of restrictions on the number of cash transactions for player trades and the elimination of age limitations and intraleague loan limitations.

The MLS season is set to begin on February 21, with some teams returning to action even earlier for the Concacaf Champions Cup, which starts on February 3.