The saying goes that it is better late than never, and that is why Major League Soccer is now positioning itself to be in sync with major European competitions in terms of scheduling. On Thursday, November 13, MLS announced that its next step toward global consolidation will be aligning its calendar with tournaments of worldwide renown. This new annual structure will go into effect beginning in 2027.
The transition will not be limited to the schedule; the league will also be modifying its format and adjusting the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs. Tests and evaluations continue, and nothing has been finalized yet, but the direction has already been outlined.
Beneficial changes for MLS
Everything suggests that these changes will grant MLS far greater growth potential and recognition across the globe. That is why today, the league’s Board of Governors, meeting in Palm Beach, Florida, approved both the new calendar and the updated competition format.
This change to our calendar is a transformative moment for Major League Soccer.”… “Aligning our calendar with the major leagues around the world will strengthen the global competitiveness of our clubs, create better opportunities in the transfer market, and ensure that our Audi MLS Cup Playoffs take center stage without interruption. It marks the beginning of a new era for our league and for soccer in North America.”.
Said MLS Commissioner Don Garber.
The new structure of the MLS season
As stated, the changes will take effect starting with the 2027-28 season. That season will begin in mid-July and conclude in May with the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs and MLS Cup. In mid-December, the league will enter a break and will resume activity in February, leaving January completely free of matches.
To reach the new format, MLS will undergo a transition period from February to May 2027, during which 14 matches, the postseason, and the MLS Cup will be played. The results of this transitional competition will determine the qualifying clubs for the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, the Canadian Championship, the Leagues Cup, and the Concacaf Champions Cup.
Benefits of the new MLS calendar
By aligning with the world’s top leagues, MLS will gain significant advantages, such as:
- Player transfers follow the practices of major clubs.
- The ability to bring in or send out players during the summer window, operating within the same market as everyone else.
- Calendar consistency with FIFA, avoiding disruptions or pressure on players;
- Improved quality in the postseason, thanks to more favorable weather conditions.
The process began in 2023, when the league first evaluated the possibility of implementing these changes. The opinions of fans and sports experts played an important role in shaping the decision.
Another major factor was the climate. May offers more pleasant conditions, allowing players to reach the decisive stretch of the competition in better form, ultimately elevating the overall level of play.
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