MLS Approves Summer-to-Spring Schedule for 2027

Major League Soccer's Board of Governors approved a major overhaul of the league's schedule on Thursday, shifting to a summer-to-spring format starting in 2027 to better align with international soccer calendars.

The decision, made during a meeting in Palm Beach, Florida, marks a departure from the current February-to-November season, which this year began in late February and will conclude with the MLS Cup on December 6. Under the new structure, the 2027-28 regular season will begin in mid- to late July 2027 and run through April 2028, followed by playoffs and the MLS Cup in May. The calendar includes a winter break from mid-December through early February, with no matches scheduled in January, allowing players to participate in international events without disrupting league play.

MLS Commissioner Don Garber described the change as "one of the most important decisions in our history." He emphasized its benefits for global alignment, stating that it 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."

The shift addresses longstanding challenges with the...