On November 13, 2025, the MLS Board of Governors voted to change the league’s schedule to closer match the European leagues, starting the 2027-28 season in July and ending with MLS Cup in May. The reasoning behind the move is to align transfer windows, with MLS moving away from playing in the middle of summer and instead having a midseason break from mid-December until early February. The announcement wasn’t a surprise, with plenty of indicators that the league was considering the change in calendar.
Major League Soccer has already announced that they will play what they’re calling a “transition season” beginning in February and running through May. Given the short amount of time, the regular season will be 14 games to determine the playoff field.
In the league’s list of reasons for the move, they included transfers and player signings, alignment with the FIFA calendar, and moving the MLS playoffs away from cold weather months. Here’s what you need to know about the 2027-28 MLS season change.
Transition Season: Early 2027
Before the new calendar officially launches, MLS will play a transition season from February to May 2027. This abbreviated campaign will feature:
- A 14-game regular season
- MLS Cup playoffs and MLS Cup
- Results used to determine qualification for major competitions including the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, Canadian Championship, Leagues Cup, and Concacaf Champions Cup.
Full Season Shift: 2027-28 and Beyond
The first full MLS season under the new calendar will:
- Begin in mid-to-late July 2027
- Conclude with the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs and MLS Cup in May 2028
- Include a midwinter break from mid-December through early February, with no league matches scheduled in January.
This structure mirrors the schedules used by Europe’s top leagues and matches key player and international calendars more closely.
Why MLS Made the Shift
MLS leadership and club owners outlined several strategic reasons for the change, including:
- Aligning with global transfer windows, allowing teams to sign and integrate players more effectively before the season begins.
- Reducing conflicts with FIFA international match windows, which should minimize mid-season absences.
- Increasing competitiveness and global visibility by following a “European-style” calendar that many fans and players recognize.
Commissioner Don Garber called the change “one of the most important decisions in our league’s history,” emphasizing global alignment and competitive growth.
What This Means for Fans
- Supporters will see MLS Cup played in May instead of November/December, placing the championship in a less crowded U.S. sports calendar.
- The league’s winter break will offer more rest and fewer cold-weather games in northern markets.
- Traditional MLS rivalries and home windows will shift, but overall match frequency will remain competitive with historic MLS seasons.
Effects on Other Competitions
Because the transitional 2027 schedule is short, MLS will use those results to determine qualification for key tournaments:
- Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup
- Canadian Championship
- Leagues Cup
- Concacaf Champions Cup
All will use performance in the condensed 14-game spring season to assign berths.
Quick Timeline
| Season | Structure |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Last full season under the current Feb–Dec calendar. |
| Early 2027 | Transition season (Feb–May), 14 games + playoffs. |
| 2027-28 | Full summer-to-spring season (Jul 2027–May 2028). |
Frequently Asked Questions About MLS Season Changes
When will MLS change its season format?
Major League Soccer will begin its new season format with the 2027–28 season. Before that, MLS will play a transition season from February through May 2027 to bridge the shift from the current calendar to the new schedule.
What will the MLS transition season in 2027 look like?
The 2027 transition season will be a shortened campaign featuring:
- A 14-game regular season
- MLS Cup Playoffs and MLS Cup
- Qualification for competitions such as the U.S. Open Cup, Leagues Cup, and Concacaf Champions Cup based on results from this season
This season is designed to move MLS from its current schedule to the new calendar without skipping a year of competition.
When will the MLS season start and end under the new format?
Beginning in summer 2027, the MLS season will:
Conclude with the MLS Cup Playoffs and MLS Cup in May
Start in mid-to-late July
Pause for a winter break from mid-December through early February
Why is MLS changing its schedule?
MLS is shifting its calendar to:
- Better align with international transfer windows
- Reduce conflicts with FIFA international match windows
- Improve competitive alignment with top leagues around the world
League officials have described the change as a long-term move to strengthen MLS’s global competitiveness.
Will MLS play games during the winter?
No. Under the new format, MLS will take a midseason winter break, with no league matches scheduled in January. This is intended to reduce cold-weather matches and player workload during the winter months.
Will the MLS playoffs change?
MLS has not announced major changes to the playoff format itself. However, under the new calendar, the MLS Cup Playoffs and MLS Cup Final will be played in the spring, rather than late fall or early winter.
How does this affect international tournaments?
The new calendar is expected to reduce conflicts with:
- FIFA international windows
- Concacaf club competitions
- National team call-ups during the regular season
MLS has stated that improved alignment with global calendars was a key factor in the decision.
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