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Major League Soccer considers playoff expansion and calendar shift
Major League Soccer (MLS) is considering a significant overhaul of its competition structure and playoff format. The league is exploring an expansion of the MLS Cup Playoffs to 20 teams starting in 2028. This proposal includes a shift to a fall-to-spring calendar and the replacement of the current conference system with a single unified standings table and five divisions. Under the potential new format, the top eight teams would receive a double-elimination pathway, while teams ranked ninth through 20th would enter a play-in stage.
Separately, CF Montreal is in negotiations to move to Montreal’s Olympic Stadium as its long-term home. The stadium is undergoing renovations, including an $870 million roof project and interior upgrades funded by the Quebec government. The club is seeking a lease that would allow the venue to serve as its primary home and potentially its primary training ground, which would provide necessary indoor facilities as the league transitions to a new seasonal calendar.
Entities
CF Montréal · Don Garber · Major League Soccer · Olympic Stadium · Quebec government
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] CF Montreal is in negotiations to move to Montreal's Olympic Stadium as its long-term home. canadiansoccerdaily.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Under the proposed format, the top eight teams would receive a double-elimination pathway, while teams ranked ninth through 20th would enter a play-in stage. wakingthered.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The proposed playoff expansion would coincide with a shift to a fall-to-spring calendar and the replacement of conferences with a single standings table and five divisions. wakingthered.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Major League Soccer is considering expanding its playoff field to 20 teams starting in 2028. wakingthered.com · awfulannouncing.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Quebec government has provided funding for renovations to the interior of the Olympic Stadium. canadiansoccerdaily.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Major League Soccer is reviewing its playoff format to better compete on a regional and global level. awfulannouncing.com