Why is MLS moving the playoffs to May, and what pressure points have caused this?

Major League Soccer will overhaul its league calendar starting in 2027, shifting to a summer to spring season that will align with Europe’s major leagues and move the play-offs to May.

The transition will begin with a shortened campaign from February to May 2027, featuring a 14-game regular season, playoffs and the MLS Cup final. The first full cycle runs from mid-to-late July 2027 to the end of May 2028, with a mid-winter break from mid-December to early February and no competitions in January.

Commissioner Don Garber called the decision one of the most important in the league’s history, arguing that alignment with global schedules will strengthen clubs in the transfer market, reduce conflicts with international dates and give the play-offs a clearer window.

The MLS Board of Directors approved the change Thursday in Palm Beach, Florida. The league is still working with the players’ union on the transition and continues to assess potential adjustments to the playoff format.

MLS expects the new calendar to fall within approximately the same weather range as today and plans to limit winter home dates in northern markets. It is predicted that 91 percent of games in 2027 through 28 will take place within the overall time frame of the current season.

The shift follows a two-year review that began in October 2023 and included input from clubs, players, partners and fans. The league said support among regular football viewers reached 92 percent.

The current postseason illustrates the pressure MLS faces as they compete for attention against the NFL and college football. The change is also aimed at preventing big signings such as Son Heung-min this season from arriving mid-year.

Figures from American football supported this move. National team coach Mauricio Pochettino said the alignment will benefit players and clubs, while Chicago Fire coach Gregg Berhalter and former USA captain Clint Dempsey argued it puts MLS closer to top global standards and keeps national team players sharper.

Published on November 14, 2025