MLS Synchronizes Calendar with Global Soccer Leagues
Major League Soccer (MLS) has announced a significant shift in its competition calendar, aligning with top global soccer leagues. This change will be implemented starting in the summer of 2027, marking a pivotal moment in the league’s history. The transition will enable MLS to adopt a summer-to-spring season format, which is a substantial departure from its current schedule.
New Competition Calendar for MLS
The upcoming season structure for 2027-28 will begin in mid-to-late July and end with the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs in late May 2028. This change includes a midwinter break from mid-December to early February, with no matches in January. Before the new calendar takes effect, MLS will conduct a transition season from February to May 2027, featuring a 14-game regular season.
- 2027-28 Season Start: Mid-to-late July 2027
- Season Conclusion: Late May 2028
- Midwinter Break: Mid-December to early February
During the transition season, results will influence qualifications for prestigious tournaments like the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and Concacaf Champions Cup.
Benefits of Aligning with Global Schedules
This calendar shift offers several strategic advantages:
- Optimized Global Transfer Activity: Aligning with global leagues enhances opportunities for player acquisitions and sales.
- Player Signings: The summer transfer window will allow teams to integrate new talent seamlessly before competitions begin.
- Reduced Conflicts: The new schedule accounts for FIFA match windows, minimizing clashes between league matches and national team duties.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber emphasized that this shift is a pivotal decision for the league, aiming to boost global competitiveness and improve the timing of significant matches.
Stakeholder Support
The move is the result of a two-year review process initiated in October 2023, which included feedback from various stakeholders. Surveys indicated that 92% of viewers support the calendar change, highlighting its benefits in player performance and competitiveness.
Leaders Weigh In
Several prominent figures in soccer have commented on the upcoming changes:
- Mauricio Pochettino: “Aligning with the international calendar enhances opportunities for player development.”
- Gregg Berhalter: “This evolution helps position MLS alongside the best leagues.”
- Clint Dempsey: “Being in sync with global timelines means improved player performance and connectivity for fans.”
- Will Kuntz: “This change will transform roster-building strategies, aligning us with the global transfer market.”
As MLS prepares for this transition, additional details regarding the 2027 transition season and the new competition format will be announced in the future. This alignment with global soccer leagues represents a crucial step forward for Major League Soccer and American soccer as a whole.
