MLS is officially changing its schedule to align with European leagues.

MLS Aligns Calendar with European Leagues Starting in 2027

Owners of Major League Soccer have decided to shift the league’s calendar to match the schedules of top European leagues and FIFA’s international timetable beginning in 2027. This means MLS will transition to a July-to-May season.

In addition, MLS plans to evolve from a two-conference structure to a single-table format that will feature five divisions, each containing six teams. According to reports, the details regarding this new format weren’t addressed in the official announcement about the scheduling changes.

The MLS Players Association has to approve the shift, and the league has stated it is “working closely” with the MLSPA to finalize an agreement on how this transition will unfold.

This change follows nearly two years of discussions within MLS and amid speculation that the league might aim to implement the changes by 2026, post-World Cup.

In its official statement, the league emphasized that this calendar adjustment aims to enhance its competitiveness in the global transfer market, maximize player acquisition potential, and improve postseason excitement.

MLS Commissioner Don Garber expressed that altering the calendar is a pivotal decision for the league. He noted that aligning with leading leagues globally would bolster club competitiveness and offer better transfer opportunities. “This represents the dawn of a new era for our league and for soccer in North America,” he stated.

The revised calendar is set to kick in during July 2027, following a transition period from February to May of that year. This interim season will consist of a 14-game regular schedule, playoffs, and the MLS Cup, with outcomes influencing entries into various championships.

The playoff structure, however, remains undetermined based on the new timeline.

From mid-December to early February, the league will take a hiatus.

Support for this transition has come from teams like New York City FC, where CEO Brad Sims expressed enthusiasm about the change. He described the announcement as a significant moment and highlighted that it aligns well with upcoming events, like the FIFA World Cup.

While it seems few additional matches will be added beyond the current season, there are worries about how this will affect teams in colder climates, where more games will be scheduled during winter months.