MLS will shift to a summer-to-spring season schedule beginning in 2027, alongside changes to broadcasting and competition formats.
According to a report from PHILLY SOCCER PAGE. The league announced on November 13 that it will transition to a summer-to-spring schedule, marking one of the most sweeping operational changes in MLS history.
Under the new format, the 2027 season will kick off in mid-to-late July and conclude with the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs in late May 2028. The league will also introduce a “midwinter break” running from mid-December to early February, during which no league matches will be played. The report notes that the term “league matches” suggests clubs may still participate in friendlies, similar to how the Philadelphia Union faced Slavia Prague during a January preseason trip to Spain.
Before the shift takes full effect, MLS will stage an abbreviated season from February to May 2027 to determine qualification for the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, Canadian Championship, Leagues Cup, and Concacaf Champions Cup.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber described the move as transformational, stating, “The calendar shift is one of the most important decisions in our history… It marks the start of a new era for our league and for soccer in North America.”
Additionally, the league will discontinue MLS Season Pass in 2026, with all matches becoming available to Apple TV subscribers at no extra cost.