Major League Soccer (MLS) is set to undergo significant transformations starting with the 2027 season, following a recent vote by the board of governors. This new direction marks a pivotal shift in the league’s history as it moves away from the traditional spring-to-fall season calendar that has been in place since its inception in 1996. Instead, MLS will adopt a winter-to-spring schedule, aligning itself with the top European leagues. This alignment is expected to bolster the competitiveness of MLS clubs on a global scale, offering enhanced opportunities in the transfer market while ensuring that the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs are showcased prominently without any interruptions.
Commissioner Don Garber emphasized the monumental nature of this calendar shift, stating, “Aligning our schedule with the world’s top leagues 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.” This indicates not only a commitment to elevating the league’s profile but also an acknowledgment of the broader context of global soccer.
The decision to shift the format and calendar follows considerable deliberation and extensive research. Earlier discussions took place in April, where no immediate vote was decided. During that meeting, owners endorsed a second phase of exploration regarding the proposed changes. The league highlighted that any alterations would not commence before the 2027 season, allowing for careful consideration of the impact on various stakeholders, including sponsors and fans.
The comprehensive exploration process lasted over a year, during which league officials weighed the pros and cons of overhauling the calendar. With the men’s World Cup arriving in North America in 2026, many believed it was an ideal time to implement such changes. However, the risks associated with altering the calendar too soon were acknowledged, particularly regarding the financial implications and business operations of the league.
Starting in 2027, the regular MLS season will run from mid-to-late July through April, followed by the postseason in May. A notable winter break will occur from mid-December to January, with the second phase of the regular season resuming in early February—likely after the Super Bowl. Additionally, to prevent clashes with international competitions such as the World Cup, Euros, Gold Cup, and Copa América, there will be another break in June and July.
To aid the transition into this new schedule, MLS plans to hold a 14-game “transition season” from mid-February to May 2027. The outcome of these matches will have implications for qualifying teams for various competitions, including the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, Canadian Championship, Leagues Cup, and CONCACAF Champions Cup.
One of the strategic advantages this new calendar presents is its compatibility with the international transfer window. By shifting the summer transfer window to coincide with the MLS offseason, clubs can engage in roster building more effectively for the upcoming season, and engage talent more readily without disrupting their active season.
Furthermore, the change in scheduling will alleviate some issues related to player absences for international duty, ensuring that teams can field their best players more consistently throughout the season.
Adapting to climate conditions, MLS executives have assured that warmer markets may host more games in December and February, whereas clubs in northern markets can expect more matches during the summer months. This consideration demonstrates a proactive approach to address challenges posed by weather variability across different regions.
In an exciting development for fans, those with an Apple TV subscription will soon have access to every MLS game, a shift revealed during the recent announcement. With the removal of the “MLS Season Pass” beginning in 2026, fans will enjoy all games for $12.99 per month or $99 annually through Apple’s streaming service. This also includes coverage of key events such as the Leagues Cup, MLS All-Star Game, and the MLS Cup Playoffs.
The previous price point for the “MLS Season Pass” was higher, set at $14.99 per month or $99 per season, and had its own limitations, as it did not necessitate an Apple TV subscription. The transition to the new model comes in the wake of MLS lifting the paywall for the playoffs for Apple TV subscribers, making the league more accessible to a broader audience.
In addition to these changes, Formula 1 will also join the MLS on Apple’s platform, thanks to a comprehensive five-year agreement starting in 2026. The long-term partnership established between MLS and Apple in 2023 reflects a strong commitment to innovation and growth within the league, and signals an exciting future for soccer in North America.
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