´One of the most important decisions in our history´ – MLS calendar to change from 2027

MLS have announced they are going to align their schedule with other top leagues from 2027, with commissioner Don Graber claiming it as “one of the most important decisions in our history”.

The MLS season currently operates from February to December, with the playoffs beginning in October.

However, they will soon be adopting the summer-spring format following a two-year review process, introducing a new regular-season format in one of the biggest developments in the competition’s 30-year history.

From 2027-28, the regular season will begin in July and conclude with the MLS Cup playoffs in late May, with further changes to the postseason still under review.

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

“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 centre stage without interruption.

“It marks the start of a new era for our league and for soccer in North America.”

A new calendar for a global league.

Beginning in 2027, Major League Soccer will adopt a summer-to-spring season format — a historic evolution in the league’s competition calendar.

Details: https://t.co/YOlzd4oGDB pic.twitter.com/JYzdkKX01o

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 13, 2025

MLS will also take a mid-winter break from mid-December to early February, with no league matches scheduled in January.

The alteration is being made to align with the FIFA calendar to avoid clashes with international breaks and major international tournaments.

“This is a great step forward for MLS to be on par with the top leagues in the world,” United States boss Mauricio Pochettino said.

“The ability to align with the international calendar will have a huge positive impact for the players, coaches and clubs.”

There will be a transition season from February to May 2027, featuring a 14-game regular season, playoffs and MLS Cup to determine qualification for the Cup competitions.

But as well as the calendar changes, there will also be an update to a single-table competition instead of splitting the teams into the Eastern and Western Conferences.