Major League Soccer is contemplating a significant overhaul of its schedule to align with the European season, which runs from fall to spring. This bold shift would mark a departure from nearly five decades of tradition in North American soccer.
“We are seriously considering this change now more than ever,” MLS commissioner Don Garber stated to reporters ahead of Saturday’s MLS Cup final in Los Angeles, acknowledging that implementing such a shift would be a complex process.
According to reports, the league is exploring the possibility of beginning the season in early August, followed by a lengthy midseason break. Play would then resume in February, with the finals scheduled for May.
The proposed shift would align Major League Soccer (MLS) more closely with the global football calendar and potentially provide its playoffs with greater media exposure in the United States. Currently, MLS playoffs must compete with other dominant sports like the NFL, Major League Baseball, and the NBA, which command significant attention during their respective seasons.
If implemented, the change would mark a groundbreaking move for professional soccer in North America, breaking with a long-standing tradition of summer-based play that dates back to the MLS’s inception and its predecessor, the North American Soccer League.
MLS commissioner Don Garber stated, “I believe we might be the only league, or one of just two leagues globally, that follows this schedule.”. “But it’s complicated. We operate across three time zones, are impacted by diverse weather conditions, and face the logistical challenges of travelling across a continent. Making such a significant adjustment requires caution.”
Reports suggest that MLS is considering starting the season in early August, pausing for a midseason break, and resuming play in February with finals slated for May. This would position the league to better align with international competitions and transfer windows.
According to a source cited by AFP, discussions have extended beyond MLS leadership to include consultations with key stakeholders such as sponsors, clubs, and the league’s primary broadcast partner, Apple TV. These discussions underscore the complexity of the proposed transition and the league’s desire to navigate it thoughtfully.
