MLS Plans 14-Game Sprint Season in 2027 to Bridge Calendar Gap

Bassyonni

Published: March 19, 2026 6:59 PM ET

MLS Plans 14-Game Sprint Season in 2027 to Bridge Calendar Gap

The Major League Soccer (MLS) has announced a significant change for the 2027 season, introducing a 14-game sprint format. This adjustment aims to transition the league from a summer-to-spring schedule. The revised season will take place from February to May 2027.

Details of the 2027 Sprint Season

Each club will participate in 14 intra-conference matches.
Every team will play seven home and seven away games.
Matches will exclusively involve opponents from the same conference.

Playoff Structure

The top eight teams from each conference will qualify for the playoffs. The playoff format will follow a single-elimination bracket. Winners from the Eastern and Western conferences will then compete in the 2027 MLS Cup.

Competitive Opportunities

Despite the shortened schedule, teams will still have the chance to qualify for the 2028 Concacaf Champions Cup and the 2028 Leagues Cup. The five available slots for the Concacaf Champions Cup will be based on regular season and playoff results.

Upcoming Schedule Announcement

MLS plans to release the complete schedule, detailing each team’s home and away matchups, in the coming months. This new sprint format will precede the regular season for 2027-28, which will start in July 2027 and run until the MLS Cup in May 2028.

Seasonal Break and Future Outlook

A winter break will occur from mid-December to early February.
No matches are scheduled for January.

This strategic shift in schedule was announced by MLS in November, marking a pivotal moment for the league. MLS Commissioner Don Garber referred to it as “one of the most important decisions in our history.” He emphasized that aligning the schedule with prominent global leagues will boost competitiveness and opportunities within the transfer market.

This transition signifies the start of a new era for MLS and soccer in North America. Currently, the league operates from February to November, with its championship match, the MLS Cup, typically held in December. Despite the changes, it is anticipated that over 90% of games will continue to be played within the footprint currently established.