Major League Soccer (MLS) will introduce a major change to its calendar from 2027, adopting a schedule similar to those of Europe’s leading leagues. The new format will see the competition run from summer to spring, marking a significant shift in North American football.
The 2027-2028 season will begin in mid-July 2027 and end in May 2028. The league will also introduce a winter break from mid-December to early February. Through this adjustment, MLS aims to make player transfers easier, improve alignment with international competitions and increase its visibility on the global stage. The new calendar will also bring the American league closer to the traditional schedule used by several major European championships.
To prepare for the transition, MLS will organise a shortened competition from February to May 2027, known as the “Sprint Season”. The format will feature 14 matchdays, followed by the playoffs and an MLS Cup final in May. Each team will face the other 14 clubs in its conference twice, once at home and once away. With this reform, MLS hopes to strengthen its international position and take another step towards becoming a more prominent force in world football.
