MLS owners and executives met once again on Thursday to discuss potential changes to the league’s calendar, but decided not to implement any changes in time for the 2026 World Cup.
Instead, during a board meeting in Chicago, they approved a second phase of exploration into potentially moving to the international soccer calendar, as well as ongoing evaluation of the league’s regular season and playoff formats, according to a statement from MLS. Any changes would not be implemented until at least the 2027 season.
The decision to delay any changes follows over a year of research and meetings. There have been discussions about aligning MLS seasons with the fall-to-spring schedule that is common in global soccer, especially with the 2026 men’s World Cup coming to North America.
However, the necessary modifications to commercial deals, contracts, and ticket sales would need to begin soon if the change were to happen in 2026. The rough deadline was set for spring 2025, but on Thursday, they agreed to postpone the decision.
With no consensus on the benefits of changing the calendar, the decision was postponed to a later date. The discussions and analysis will continue in the next phase, which will involve consultation with key stakeholders and the development of a comprehensive transition plan, as stated by the league.
Until further notice, MLS seasons will continue to start in February and end in the fall. The status quo will be maintained, and the league’s growth will continue steadily and cautiously.
The MLS calendar debate
MLS executives began exploring the possibility of changing the calendar last winter, with a focus on aligning transfer windows with top leagues around the world. The discussions intensified throughout 2024, with surveys of fans and meetings with club leaders to gather viewpoints.
While sporting directors largely support the calendar change for potential benefits in player recruitment and league growth, team owners and business executives have mixed opinions. Some see long-term advantages, while others are concerned about immediate drawbacks, such as decreased ticket sales in winter months, especially in northern markets with cold climates.
Despite the interruptions in the current calendar, including playing through international breaks and pausing playoffs for national team duty, the debate on changing the calendar will continue.