Major League Soccer will adopt a summer-to-spring calendar starting in 2027 to align with the world’s top football leagues, a seismic shift approved by the league’s Board of Governors on Thursday that aims to boost global competitiveness and transfer market opportunities.
The move, described as one of the most pivotal in MLS history, includes a transitional season from February to May 2027 featuring 14 regular-season games, playoffs and the MLS Cup, before the full 2027-28 campaign kicks off in mid-to-late July 2027 and culminates in late May 2028 with a midwinter break from mid-December to early February.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber hailed the decision, saying: “The calendar shift is one of the most important decisions in our history. Aligning our schedule with the world’s top leagues will strengthen our clubs’ global competitiveness, create better opportunities in the transfer market, and ensure our Audi MLS Cup Playoffs take center stage without interruption. It marks the start of a new era for our league and for soccer in North America.”
US Men’s National Team head coach Mauricio Pochettino welcomed the alignment, noting: “For sure, this is a great step forward for MLS to be on par with the top leagues in the world. Having managed club teams and now the U.S. National Team, the ability to align with the international calendar will have a huge positive impact for the players, coaches and clubs. This also extends beyond the senior national teams; it will allow us to have access to the youth national team players during critical periods of international competition, further advancing their development.”
Chicago Fire FC director Gregg Berhalter echoed the sentiment: “The beauty of MLS is how it has evolved over the years, and another step in that evolution is aligning with the top leagues in the world. Moving to an international calendar helps position MLS on par with the best.”
Former US captain Clint Dempsey added: “Having MLS on the same timetable as the rest of the world is great. Whether you’re in MLS, Europe, or anywhere else, being aligned means players are sharper when they get called into camp and it’s easier for everyone – players, coaches, and fans – to follow the game year-round.”
LA Galaxy general manager Will Kuntz focused on roster benefits: “Moving to the international calendar is going to be a massive game-changer, especially for roster-building. It finally allows us to operate in sync with the global transfer market. We’ll be able to sign players when the biggest talent movement happens – in the summer – instead of midseason when integration is difficult.”
The reform follows a two-year review incorporating input from stakeholders, with research showing 92 percent support from league viewers for perks like enhanced player performance and uninterrupted playoffs. Northern clubs will minimise home games in colder months, and MLS NEXT Pro will decide its schedule independently.
