MLS Set to Synchronise Calendar with Premier Global Football Leagues

Major League Soccer plans to adjust its fixture schedule to match those of the leading football competitions worldwide, adopting a summer to spring format across North America from 2027, the league announced on Thursday.

The current MLS season stretches from late February through to early December, covering the regular fixtures and the playoffs leading to the MLS Cup.

Beginning with the 2027-2028 season, the league will start in July and name its winner in May, according to an official statement.

This revised schedule, much like the ones used in European leagues, will incorporate a winter pause from mid-December until early February.

Ahead of the full switch, MLS will run a transitional campaign from February to May 2027, featuring 14 regular season games followed by playoff matches.

As part of the broader effects, the adjustment will harmonise the MLS transfer period with the international marketplace.

"This calendar change is a transformative moment for Major League Soccer," said MLS commissioner Don Garber.

"Aligning our calendar with the world's major leagues will strengthen the global competitiveness of our clubs, create better opportunities in the transfer market, and ensure that our playoffs take center stage without interruption."

The proposal gained approval on Thursday during a board of governors gathering in Palm Beach, Florida.