2021 MLS season to start April 3, MLS Cup set for Dec. 11

On Monday, Major League Soccer unveiled plans for the 2021 season that will be held amid the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Preseason training camps will kick off on Feb. 22 and go for six weeks before the regular season opens on April 3. The MLS All-Star Game will occur at some point in "late summer," and the regular season will conclude on Nov. 7. 

The MLS playoffs begin on Nov. 19, with MLS Cup set for Dec. 11. 

Due to ongoing travel restrictions and the closure of the border that separates the United States and Canada to non-essential personnel, it's unknown where Toronto FC, CF Montreal and Vancouver Whitecaps will play home games. The NBA's Toronto Raptors temporarily relocated to Tampa, Fla., for the 2020-21 NBA season that tipped off Dec. 22. 

Meanwhile, Austin FC will make their official league debut as an expansion club. 

"In accordance with MLS health and safety protocols, players will be required to quarantine and conduct individual trainings upon reporting back to their clubs for the start of preseason," the league explained in its official release. 

"Similar to the 2020 MLS season, COVID-19 testing protocols will again play an important role in MLS’ competition framework. MLS continues to work closely with the league and MLSPA’s infectious disease advisors on health and safety protocols, including testing. During the regular season, all players, technical staff and essential club staff will continue to be tested every other day, including the day before each match day. In addition, clubs will take chartered flights for all road trips until further notice."

The 2020 MLS season temporarily halted after two weeks because of the health crisis and then resumed via the "MLS is Back" tournament held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex over the summer. Following that competition, clubs returned to playing in-market home matches, while the league's three Canadian sides completed all home and away games in American cities.