MLS Announces Major Schedule Overhaul for 2027-28 Season

The regular season for the 2027-28 Major League Soccer (MLS) will commence in mid-to-late July 2027 and conclude with the MLS Cup in late May 2028. There will be an extended mid-winter break from mid-December until early February. Prior to this full transition, a mini-season from February to May 2027 will take place, comprising 14 matches designed to determine qualifications for various tournaments, including the US Open Cup and Leagues Cup.

This transformative change aims to bolster global competitiveness, improve transfer market opportunities, and prevent the MLS Cup Playoffs from conflicting with the NFL and college football seasons. The decision has received approval from the league’s Board of Governors. While owners and fans are optimistic about the advantages, the league is also proactively addressing potential challenges posed by winter weather, especially for teams located in northern regions.

Mauricio Pochettino remarked on the significance of this shift, stating, “This is certainly a substantial step forward for MLS to align itself with the top leagues worldwide. Having experience with both club teams and the US National Team, I believe that synchronization with the international calendar will yield substantial benefits for players, coaches, and clubs alike. This change will also facilitate access to youth national team players during critical international competitions, thereby enhancing their development.”

Pochettino further expressed his approval, saying, “Congratulations on this fantastic decision. From my perspective, the US Soccer Federation should demonstrate its support for this initiative. It’s a commendable decision that will be beneficial for MLS and soccer in the United States. The feeling will be that we are competing in the U.S. at the same level as Europe, which is always the benchmark. We are in a continuous process of evolution and development, and the best way to grow in this sport is to observe how the principal leagues globally operate.”

MLS Commissioner Don Garber heralded this shift as a landmark moment for the league, stating, “The calendar change is one of the most significant decisions in our history. Aligning our schedule with the world’s premier leagues will enhance our clubs’ global competitiveness, create improved opportunities in the transfer market, and ensure that our Audi MLS Cup Playoffs receive the attention they deserve without interruptions. This marks the beginning of a new era for our league and for soccer in North America.”

However, transitioning to a summer-to-spring calendar presents notable challenges for MLS, particularly concerning harsh winter weather and managing player relationships. Teams in colder regions may experience decreased attendance and face more challenging conditions for games and training during the winter months, despite the scheduled break. Additionally, this change may lead to disputes with the MLS Players Association regarding the length of the offseason and modifications to existing player contracts. While this transition aligns with the global transfer market, it poses logistical hurdles for a league that spans a vast and climatically diverse area.