MLS Commissioner Don Garber Announces League Shift to Summer‑Spring Calendar After World Cup Surge

Major League Soccer (MLS) is preparing major reforms following the 2024 World Cup. Ticket sales rose 58% in the 40 days surrounding the tournament, prompting the league to move to a summer‑to‑spring schedule that aligns with most international competitions. Officials are also reviewing roster rules and the salary‑cap structure to boost competitiveness. Commissioner Don Garber, who has led MLS since 1999, announced he will step down after this season. Recent signings such as Robert Lewandowski (Chicago Fire) and Antoine Griezmann (Orlando City) have added star power, while 45 MLS players featured on World Cup national team rosters and 43 were academy‑developed. Garber emphasized the need to translate the World Cup momentum into long‑term growth, fan engagement and greater media visibility.