MLS is “considering” major schedule changes after the 2026 World Cup

Major League Soccer is considering a significant scheduling change that could see the league mirror the European soccer calendar.

According to a report from The Athletic on Wednesday, the American organization is placing a high priority on development and is considering switching to a fall-spring season with breaks in the summer and winter.

Additionally, MLS is “evaluating the possibility” of organizing teams into divisions rather than conferences.

The significant scheduling change could be implemented after the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and would allow MLS to “maximize participation in the global transfer market.”

“We've actually been engaged since January, and it's been very extensive, exhaustive and deliberate,” said Nelson Rodriguez, MLS executive vice president of sports products and competition.

“It's still too early. We still ask questions. We are still collecting and analyzing some data. We are still formulating models. Some of these models relate to formats themselves, others are designed to evaluate the information we receive.”

Under the proposal, MLS would begin in early August and run until mid-December before a winter break. The season would resume in February and run through the spring, with the MLS Cup at the end of May.

But before the league agrees to a new format, it looks outside the boardroom to see if it is in its best interests. MLS has completed “extensive fan surveys” and plans to use player focus groups, including the MLS Players' Association, to help make decisions.

Switching to a fall-spring season would also have commercial benefits in America. The MLS Cup Playoffs currently compete for viewers with the MLB Playoffs, NFL, NBA and NHL regular seasons, and college sports.

“The playoffs are the most valuable piece of real estate in a league season, and playoffs that would take place in the spring or summer suggest a different dynamic,” Rodriguez said.

“It starts with the fact that the weather is almost optimal for all 30 clubs, the stadium conflicts are a little less, the competition with other North American sports is different and there is at least a greater orientation towards the rhythm of European football. So those are factors. They also come with their own trade-offs.”

If a switch to a fall-spring season is agreed, the Leagues Cup, US Open Cup and Canadian Championship would also have to adjust their calendars. According to the report, the Leagues Cup in particular could take place in “January and February with teams in groups in warmer weather locations such as California, Texas and Florida.”

“We’re at a different point in our development as a league,” Rodriguez said. “With the World Cup we have more eyes on us than ever before.”

“And it was really rewarding that no one was territorial and everyone was considerate and cooperative. I think there is a recognition that this is the right time to do this level of analysis.”

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