Major League Soccer to adopt European calendar in 2027

Major League Soccer MLS Sprint Season football calendar shift transfer windows MLS Cup

Major League Soccer (MLS) has announced a major structural shift to align its schedule with the global football calendar. Starting in 2027, the league will transition from its current February to December format to a summer-to-spring schedule, similar to major European leagues.

To facilitate this transition, the league will implement a shortened, transitional “Sprint Season” in early 2027. Running from February 19 to May 8, this abbreviated campaign will feature 30 teams playing a 14-game regular season consisting exclusively of intra-conference matches. The top eight teams from each conference will advance to a single-elimination playoff tournament, culminating in the MLS Cup on Memorial Day weekend.

The new permanent schedule will officially begin in July 2027 and extend through May 2028. This change aims to synchronize transfer windows with the international market, facilitate easier player movement, and provide players and coaching staff with a summer break in June. The league will also adopt summer and winter transfer windows to match international standards.

Entities

BC Place · Brian White · CONCACAF · Don Garber · FIFA · Lionel Messi · MLS Cup · Major League Soccer · Ryan Gauld · San Diego FC · Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 2 SOURCES] Brian White scored his 100th career MLS goal. canadiansoccerdaily.com
[● 2 SOURCES] The match was played in front of a crowd of 21,718 at BC Place. canadiansoccerdaily.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Aleksa Cvetković scored his first career MLS goal. canadiansoccerdaily.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Vancouver Whitecaps defeated San Diego FC with a score of 4-1. canadiansoccerdaily.com
[● 2 SOURCES] San Diego FC was eliminated from the playoff race due to the loss. canadiansoccerdaily.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Onni Valakari scored a header for San Diego FC in the 83rd minute.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Vancouver Whitecaps hold a 17-8-7 record with 58 points. canadiansoccerdaily.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] San Diego FC's winless streak reached 10 games.