Overview
- The Board of Governors is expected to consider moving the season to a European-style calendar and replacing conferences with a single-table setup divided into five geographic divisions.
- Under the proposal, the regular season would begin in mid-to-late July or August, pause for a winter break in December and January, and conclude with playoffs in May, with a summer pause in June and July.
- Teams would play 34 matches by facing division opponents home and away and meeting every other club once, with division winners guaranteed playoff berths and playoff details still under discussion.
- Implementation timing remains open, with reports citing potential launches in 2027–28 or 2028–29 and a 14-match transition “sprint season” to bridge formats.
- Any change requires MLSPA approval and poses logistical challenges for cold-weather markets and broadcast partners, prompting planning for facility upgrades and coordination with sponsors.