MLS Aligns with European Calendar, Sidestepping Postseason Football Conflicts
In a significant development for American soccer, Major League Soccer (MLS) announced it will realign its calendar to match the schedules of top soccer leagues worldwide. This transition is set to begin in 2027, with the league’s season starting in July and culminating in the MLS Cup Playoffs in May.
MLS Calendar Changes: Key Details
- New season kicks off in July.
- Winter break in December and January.
- MLS Cup Playoffs to be held in May.
Avoiding Competition with Football
This new schedule aims to minimize conflict with college and professional football, which currently overshadows the MLS Cup Playoffs. By kicking off the season when competition is low—primarily outside of regular season baseball—MLS hopes to attract a larger viewing audience.
Transition Season in 2027
To facilitate this transition, the 2027 season will feature a condensed regular season, consisting of just 14 games. This will be followed by the playoffs in May, ensuring a smooth adjustment to the new timing.
Impact on Player Quality and Transfers
The calendar realignment is expected to enhance quality within the league. It will reduce conflicts with international matches, allowing top players to participate in more MLS games. Additionally, synchronizing with leading leagues globally will give MLS clubs a competitive edge in the transfer market.
Strategic Moves Ahead of the World Cup
These bold changes come as MLS prepares for the World Cup, which will be held in North America next year. The league, alongside its recent decision to remove the MLS Season Pass paywall, is positioning itself strategically to maximize exposure and leverage this unique opportunity.
Overall, MLS is actively working to strengthen its presence and appeal to both fans and players alike, indicating a bright future for soccer in the United States.
