MLS Calendar Shift: Owners Eye Fall-Spring Schedule & Single Table

MLS calendar shift is on the brink of transforming the landscape of Major League Soccer, with club owners set to vote on a proposal that could bring a fall-spring schedule and a unified single-table format as early as 2027. This significant potential change aims to better align MLS with the global soccer calendar, reshape competition structure, and open new avenues in player recruitment and fan engagement.

MLS Calendar Shift: Aligning with the Global Soccer Landscape

A crucial item on the agenda for the upcoming MLS Board of Governors meeting is the suggestion to move from the league’s existing winter-to-fall calendar to a fall-spring schedule, mirroring the established approach of European football leagues. The proposal would see the regular season kick off in mid-to-late July or August and conclude in April, with the playoffs extending into May. Key to this MLS calendar shift are built-in winter and summer breaks to accommodate varying North American climates and international tournaments.

Coaches and executives have highlighted the advantages of this alignment, particularly regarding the global transfer window. FC Cincinnati head coach Pat Noonan has noted that synchronizing the league’s calendar with Europe would streamline the recruitment of international talent and mitigate issues associated with mismatched transfer periods.

Single-Table Format to Replace Conferences

Alongside the MLS calendar shift, owners are expected to vote on scrapping the traditional conference system in favor of a single league table, subdivided into five geographically grouped divisions. Each team would play divisional rivals both home and away, with division winners securing guaranteed playoff spots. The 34-game regular season would see all teams face their division opponents twice and every other team once, balancing competitive fairness and regional rivalries.

Logistical Challenges and Facility Upgrades

Implementing the MLS calendar shift presents unique logistical challenges. The league’s 30 clubs are spread across diverse climates and time zones, making winter play in northern cities a concern. While Sun Belt teams are less affected, cold-weather markets will likely require stadium upgrades and expanded indoor training facilities. Coordination with sponsors, broadcasters, and season ticket holders is also vital to ensure a seamless transition.

Transition Timeline: When Will the New MLS Calendar Arrive?

Reports from industry outlets suggest that MLS is weighing whether to introduce the new calendar in 2027-28 or 2028-29. While a majority of clubs advocate for an earlier rollout, some northern teams are pushing for a later start, citing the need for infrastructure enhancements. Additionally, MLS is considering staging a condensed, 14-match “sprint season” from February to May to bridge the gap between the existing and new formats.

MLS Calendar Shift and Players’ Perspectives

The involvement of the MLS Players Association (MLSPA) is critical for the MLS calendar shift to proceed. The league’s collective bargaining agreement with the MLSPA runs until January 2028, and the union’s approval will determine if the changes can be implemented under the current agreement or must wait for the next round of negotiations. The MLSPA has yet to publicly comment on the proposed schedule overhaul.

What This Means for Fans and the Future of MLS

Should the MLS calendar shift and single-table proposal be approved, fans can expect a more globally relevant league, with easier access to international talent and enhanced competition integrity. The changes could also increase MLS’s appeal to broadcasters and sponsors worldwide, strengthening its position in the evolving soccer market.

Opinion: A Bold Move for Major League Soccer

The proposed MLS calendar shift represents a bold, forward-thinking approach by league leadership. While operational challenges—particularly around winter weather—must be addressed, aligning with the global soccer calendar could elevate MLS’s status and support its ambitions for growth. For supporters, these changes promise a more exciting, competitive, and internationally integrated league, setting a new era for soccer in North America.

Stay connected for more news and updates as MLS navigates this transformative period.