MLS Introduces 14-Game 'Sprint Season' Ahead of Fall-Spring Calendar Switch in 2027
Major League Soccer has announced plans for a 14-game 'sprint season' in the spring of 2027, a precursor to the league's transition to a fall-spring calendar, bringing it in line with European leagues.
MLS will implement a 14-game "sprint season" in the spring of 2027, a slate that will fill a gap before the league switches to a European-esque fall-spring calendar, the league announced Thursday. The shortened campaign will feature a regular season and playoffs, while also giving 18 teams the chance to qualify for the Leagues Cup the following year.The league revealed a much-changed "sprint season" that will be held in Spring 2027. All teams will play 14 games, all of which will be against Conference opponents. Teams are scheduled to enjoy an even split between home and away fixtures. That mini season will finish with the top eight sides in both conferences securing qualification for a playoff slate - the exact details of which are yet to be announced. Despite a changed setup, some crucial tenets of the league will remain the same. Teams can still secure qualification for the CONCACAF Champions Cup, with five teams allowed into the competition. 18 will also make it to the Leagues Cup. It does not yet have a start and end date. The change comes amidst a significant alteration in the scope of MLS, when North America's top league will implement a fall-spring calendar, similar to that of many European leagues. Games will start in July, and the season will conclude with MLS Playoffs and the MLS Cup final in May of 2028. Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingMLS first announced that it would adopt a fall-spring calendar last November. The shift is expected to put the league in line with the global transfer market - an area in which it has routinely struggled. MLS clubs often have their best players pinched midway through the season, which typically runs from February to December. The league will also adhere to most international breaks, allowing teams to have a full slate of players at their disposal week in, week out. The new season will ensure that MLS adheres to a roughly full calendar of soccer. Had the previous system been kept in place, teams would go without playing a fixture for up to seven months, with nothing scheduled from December 2026 to July 2027. This fills a significant gap before MLS makes a landmark shift in its 31-year history.
Exciting Changes in Store for MLS
MLS has unveiled a revamped schedule for the upcoming Spring 2027 season, introducing a condensed 'sprint season' consisting of 14 games against Conference opponents. This unique format, featuring an equal distribution of home and away fixtures, will culminate in a playoff showdown involving the top eight teams from both conferences.
Continuity Amidst Transformation
While the structure of the league undergoes significant changes, certain key elements remain unchanged. Teams will still have the opportunity to qualify for prestigious tournaments such as the CONCACAF Champions Cup, with five spots up for grabs. Additionally, 18 teams will secure a place in the Leagues Cup.
Historic Shift to Fall-Spring Calendar
The decision to transition to a fall-spring calendar marks a watershed moment for MLS, aligning it with the traditional schedule observed by top European leagues. This move aims to address previous challenges, including player departures during the mid-season transfer window, by synchronizing with the global market.
Improved Player Availability and Sustained Excitement
By adhering to international breaks and ensuring a continuous flow of competitive matches, the new calendar will enhance player availability and maintain fan engagement throughout the year. The shift seeks to establish MLS as a prominent contender on the global soccer stage.
