MLS wants to keep growing and is now aligning itself with major European competitions

T he saying goes that it is better late than never, and that is why Major League Soccer is now positioning itself to be in sync with major European competitions in terms of scheduling. On Thursday, November 13, MLS announced that its next step toward global consolidation will be aligning its calendar with tournaments of worldwide renown. This new annual structure will go into effect beginning in 2027 .

The transition will not be limited to the schedule; the league will also be modifying its format and adjusting the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs . Tests and evaluations continue, and nothing has been finalized yet, but the direction has already been outlined.

Beneficial changes for MLS

Everything suggests that these changes will grant MLS far greater growth potential and recognition across the globe. That is why today, the league's Board of Governors , meeting in Palm Beach, Florida, approved both the new calendar and the updated competition format.

This change to our calendar is a transformative moment for Major League Soccer."... "Alinear nuestro calendario con las principales ligas del mundo fortalecerá la competitividad global de nuestros clubes, creará mejores oportunidades en el mercado de transferencias y garantizará que nuestros Audi MLS Cup Playoffs ocupen un lugar central sin interrupción. Marca el comienzo de una nueva era para nuestra liga y para el fútbol en Norteamérica.

Said MLS Commissioner Don Garber.

The new structure of the MLS season

As stated, the changes will take effect starting with the 2027-28 season. That season will begin in mid-July and conclude in May with the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs and MLS Cup . In mid-December, the league will enter a break and will resume activity in February, leaving January completely free of matches.

To reach the new format, MLS will undergo a transition period from February to May 2027, during which 14 matches, the postseason, and the MLS Cup will be played. The results of this transitional competition will determine the qualifying clubs for the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, the Canadian Championship, the Leagues Cup, and the Concacaf Champions Cup.

Benefits of the new MLS calendar

By aligning with the world's top leagues, MLS will gain significant advantages , such as:

The process began in 2023, when the league first evaluated the possibility of implementing these changes . The opinions of fans and sports experts played an important role in shaping the decision.

Another major factor was the climate. May offers more pleasant condition s, allowing players to reach the decisive stretch of the competition in better form, ultimately elevating the overall level of play.