Major League Soccer (MLS) has voted for a landmark change, shifting its competition schedule from the current February-to-December format to a summer-to-spring calendar, beginning in 2027.
The move is designed to align MLS with top global leagues, strengthening transfer market effectiveness and global competitiveness.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber called the alignment “one of the most important decisions in our history,” noting the change will ensure the MLS Cup Playoffs move to May and “take centre stage without interruption” from other major US sports.
In addition to the new calendar, league owners also voted to adopt a single-table regular season format, replacing the Eastern and Western Conferences, and will implement a winter break from mid-December into February.
A short transition season is scheduled for early 2027 to facilitate the change.
