Major League Soccer has announced a significant shift in its schedule, starting from 2027. The decision, endorsed by the league’s board of governors on Thursday, will see the MLS season commence in mid-July and conclude in April, with the playoffs and championship game slated for May. Under the current schedule, matches begin in February, and playoffs kick off in mid-October, culminating in the MLS Cup final on December 6.
The revised schedule will incorporate a winter hiatus from mid-December to early or mid-February, with no matches scheduled in January. Additionally, another break is planned for part of June and July, aligning with various international competitions during that period.
Commissioner Don Garber expressed enthusiasm for the decision, highlighting it as a pivotal moment for the league’s growth trajectory. He emphasized that the move opens up diverse opportunities that will bolster the MLS’s standing as one of the premier leagues globally.
The 2026 season will adhere to the current winter-winter schedule, with a transitional period scheduled from February to May 2027. This transitional season will feature a 14-game regular season, playoffs, and an MLS Cup, determining the clubs qualifying for prestigious competitions such as the Canadian Championship, U.S. Open Cup, Leagues Cup, and the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
While concerns have been raised regarding the impact on northern-based teams like Toronto FC and CF Montreal, who play home games in outdoor stadiums, Garber reassured that despite the schedule adjustment, around 91% of games will still be played within the same timeframe, including cold-weather months.
The league intends to factor in climate considerations when developing the new schedule, addressing not only wintry conditions but also extreme summer heat that certain clubs may encounter.
TFC issued a statement affirming their commitment to collaborating with MLS to ensure a smooth transition for all parties involved. Vancouver Whitecaps’ CEO and sporting director also lauded the move as a significant development for the league’s growth, aligning MLS more closely with other top leagues worldwide.
CF Montreal’s president and CEO will discuss the changes with reporters on Friday. Garber declined to disclose the breakdown of votes for the schedule shift but emphasized overwhelming support for the decision. The move aims to synchronize with the FIFA calendar, preventing clubs from losing key players to national team duties during crucial phases of the season.
The shift is expected to benefit MLS clubs by aligning with the summer transfer window used by European leagues, providing more player options and enabling them to participate for a more extended period. Plans for further changes leading up to the 2027 season, including alterations to the regular-season format, are also in progress. Reports suggest a potential move towards a single-table format, although details remain undisclosed as the league seeks to finalize the format meticulously.