Major League Soccer has confirmed plans for a dramatic shift in its future, unveiling plans for a 2027 Sprint Season. The league will reshape its calendar and push closer toward alignment with top European leagues.
The move signals one of the most significant changes in MLS, as it aims to attract a wider audience. By aligning its calendar to Europe, MLS could increase player movement into the league. In addition, European clubs could chose to pursue MLS players.
The calendar shift has long been discussed. It now ensures they are aligned with international competitions and will avoid scheduling conflicts beginning with the 2027-28 MLS season.
What will the 2027 Sprint Season Schedule and Playoff Format Look Like?
The 2027 Sprint Season will be unique in that it will function as a true sprint. Each match will carry high stakes similar to the NFL, with every win proving crucial.
The Sprint Season will feature 14 matches, with each team having an equal amount of home and away games.
“The Sprint Season will include a 14-game regular season, played from February to April, followed by the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs, and MLS Cup,” the league wrote in a social media post. “[2027] Regular season will consist of intra-conference play with teams facing each of their 14 conference opponents one time, seven home and seven away.”
The league will also move away from its current playoff format during the 2027 Sprint Season. 16 teams will advance to a single-elimination knockout tournament to determine the MLS Cup champion.
“At the conclusion of the regular season, 16 teams will qualify for the Audi 2027 MLS Cup playoffs. The postseason will be contested in a single-elimination format, culminating in MLS Cup,” the league wrote.
The shortened Sprint Season will also carry implications for continental competitions. Results will determine qualification for the 2028 CONCACAF Champions Cup and 2028 Leagues Cup tournaments.
MLS Beyond 2027 Sprint Season
MLS is hopeful that the calendar shift will not only strengthen its ability to compete with top European leagues, but also recruit players.
Under the current format, the regular season begins in February and ends in November, followed by playoffs that conclude in December.
The new format introduces a major shift. Regular season will begin in July and conclude the following May. Although this format aligns with European leagues, it also places MLS in direct competition with other major North American leagues.
The NFL season begins around the same time, followed by the NBA and NHL in October. In addition, the MLB postseason, including the World Series, occurs, which means MLS will need to ensure a compelling on-field product.
“The 2027-28 MLS regular season will kick off in mid-to-late July 2027 and conclude with the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs and MLS Cup in late May 2028,” the league wrote in a social media post.
Questions still remain about whether the league will adjust roster rules or the salary cap. Additionally, like top leagues in Europe, MLS will also include a scheduled break. No matches will take place in January.
“MLS will observe a midwinter break from mid-December through early February, with no league matches scheduled in January.”