MLS is going big.
Major League Soccer is reportedly considering a significant change to its season schedule, potentially shifting its traditional February-to-November (or Spring-Fall) calendar to align with the European model of August-to-May (Fall-Spring).
According to MLSMoves on X, Sportico spoke to representatives from two dozen MLS teams that expressed overwhelming support for this move. The shift, if it was to be confirmed, would likely take effect in the Fall of 2026, coinciding with the U.S., Canada, and Mexico co-hosting the FIFA World Cup.
It looks like the Calendar change is going to happen in MLS! ️
“Sportico spoke with representatives from two dozen teams, and the overwhelming majority favored flipping the calendar. The league has cultivated a roster of well-regarded team owners who have racked up career… pic.twitter.com/k1rzHC7FJe— MLS Moves (@MLSMoves) January 30, 2025
The rationale behind the change would be largely driven by MLS' ambition to elevate its global profile, something that league higher-ups, Adidas and Apple TV all are working toward with the signing of high-profile players such as Lionel Messi.
Many of the league’s team owners, some of whom are well-known figures — well-versed in various industries, see aligning with the international soccer calendar as a crucial step toward that goal.
The desire is to create greater synchronization with global soccer events and enhance MLS appeal to international talent and fans around the world.
Alexi Lalas, former U.S. men’s national team player and current soccer pundit, has 'revealed' that MLS and U.S. Soccer could think of playing a potential "4-month farewell" mini tournament in the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup.
This event could serve as both a transition and a celebration, marking the start of the calendar rebrand and the "new MLS".
MLS could play a mini 4-month "farewell" mini season leading into the summer 20226 World Cup. Then kick off/rebrand euro-calendar as the "new @MLS" in the fall of 2026 off the back of the World Cup. Remember, MLS was originally planned to kick off following the 1994 World Cup. https://t.co/yK2iIbxekV
— Alexi Lalas (@AlexiLalas) January 31, 2025
With this major shift in scheduling on the horizon, it’s clear that MLS is positioning itself to make a big statement as U.S. Soccer heads into perhaps the biggest year in its history.
Whether or not this change will become official remains to be seen, but with broad support from team owners and representatives, it seems highly likely that MLS will soon be subject to a major change.
The 2025 MLS season will be the largest in history, with 30 teams, including the new expansion club San Diego FC.
