# Major League Soccer structural and calendar changes

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/major-league-soccer-structural-and-calendar-changes
> Updated: 2026-08-27T17:44:59.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2.

Major League Soccer (MLS) is evaluating a major restructuring of its competition format, including a potential expansion of the MLS Cup Playoffs to 20 teams by 2028. Proposed changes include replacing the conference system with five divisions and a single unified standings table, alongside a shift to a fall-to-spring calendar.

In conjunction with these structural considerations, the developmental league MLS NEXT Pro has confirmed it will adopt a summer-to-spring calendar starting in 2027 to align with MLS and global football standards. This transition will begin with an abbreviated ‘Sprint Season’ from February to May 2027, followed by the first full summer-to-spring season running from July 2027 to June 2028.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-27: MLS NEXT Pro to adopt summer-to-spring calendar in 2027

MLS NEXT Pro will shift to a summer-to-spring calendar starting in 2027, beginning with a transitional Sprint Season in early 2027 to align with Major League Soccer.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/professional-football-leagues-announce-schedule-and-format-changes

### 2026-08-19: Major League Soccer considers playoff expansion and calendar shift

Major League Soccer is considering expanding its playoffs to 20 teams by 2028 and shifting to a fall-to-spring calendar. Meanwhile, CF Montreal is negotiating a move to Montreal's Olympic Stadium.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/major-league-soccer-considers-playoff-expansion-and-calendar-shift

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Cite as: Major League Soccer structural and calendar changes. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/major-league-soccer-structural-and-calendar-changes