MLS Announces Major European-Style Schedule Change

MLS commissioner Don Garber stated that the new schedule will allow the league to gain a stronger global presence, while also having an uninterrupted playoff schedule and more competitiveness in the transfer market.

“The calendar shift is one of the most important decisions in our history,” Garber said. “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.”

United States men’s national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino believes that the schedule shift will elevate MLS to being among the top leagues in the world.

“For sure this is a great step forward for MLS to be on par with the top leagues in the world,” Pochettino said. “Having managed club teams and now the U.S. National Team, the ability to align with the international calendar will have a huge positive impact for the players, coaches and clubs. This also extends beyond the senior national teams; it will allow us to have access to the youth national team players during critical periods of international competition, further advancing their development.”

2027-28 MLS Season To Start In Late July

The league also confirmed that the 2027-28 regular season will kick off in mid-to-late July 2027 and conclude with the MLS Cup in late May 2028.

A midwinter break will occur from between mid-December and early February. No matches will be scheduled in January.

The 2027 season will be on a transition schedule, running from February to May 2027.

It will feature a 14-game regular season, following by the MLS playoffs and MLS Cup. The results will determine qualification for the 2027 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, Canadian Championship, Leagues Cup and Concacaf Champions Cup.