MLS Announces 2027 Sprint Season to Align with European Calendar
Here's what it means for you.
The MLS Sprint Season aligns U.S. soccer with global standards, impacting player transfers and international competition.
What happened
Major League Soccer will introduce a three-month Sprint Season in February 2027 to transition to a summer-to-spring calendar.
The Context
- Longstanding misalignment: MLS has operated on a winter-to-fall schedule since 1996, creating challenges for player transfers and international play.
- Broad support: A 2023 review revealed 92% of soccer viewers favor the calendar shift for enhanced global competitiveness.
- Playoff structure: The Sprint Season will feature 14 intra-conference matches per team, leading to playoffs and the MLS Cup in late May.
The Number
— This is the number of regular-season games each team will play during the 2027 Sprint Season, optimizing competition and player exposure.
Takeaway
As MLS moves toward a synchronized calendar, expect increased player mobility and heightened international engagement in soccer.
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