Overview
- The Board of Governors approved a shift to a summer-to-spring calendar, with the 2027-28 season starting in mid-to-late July and concluding with MLS Cup in late May.
- A transitional 14-game mini-season will run from February to May 2027 to set qualification for tournaments including the U.S. Open Cup and Leagues Cup.
- The new format includes a mid-December to early February winter break to help manage conditions in colder markets.
- Commissioner Don Garber praised the decision as a major step, even as media rights, sponsorships, stadium contracts and union considerations still need to be worked through.
- Competition structure is not finalized, with reports indicating MLS is weighing a single-table model organized into five geographic divisions.