MLS

MLS could change to 'European style' calendar

MLS are reportedly considering change from a yearly calendar to a European, fall-spring style.

Rich StorryUSA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

This Wednesday, Major League Soccer (MLS) announced that it is considering significant changes for the future, with the most intriguing proposal being a shift to an official fall-to-spring calendar. This adjustment would align MLS with the global soccer calendar, potentially benefiting the league’s North American franchises.

According to Paul Tenorio of The Athletic, MLS executives and owners are discussing the possibility of adopting a fall-to-spring schedule, which would feature a long summer break and a shorter winter hiatus. U.S. media sources report that the league aims to have these changes in place by 2026, following the World Cup.

MLS currently overlaps with key US sporting events

Nelson Rodríguez, MLS’s Executive Vice President of Sports Products and Competition, commented on the situation: “We have been working on this since January. It has been an extensive, exhaustive, and deliberate process. It’s still early in the process—we’re asking questions, collecting data, and conducting analysis.”

Rodríguez added, “We are still developing models. Some focus on the new format, while others are designed to evaluate the data we gather.” The report highlights that MLS still has several steps to take, including meetings with sports directors, commercial directors, owners, and even fans.

Currently, the MLS Cup 2024 Playoffs are underway, coinciding with several major sporting events, including the MLB Postseason, the NFL regular season, and the NBA season opener. For example, Game 1 of the MLB World Series between the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers will overlap with Game 1 of the MLS First Round match between Inter Miami and Atlanta United, where Messi, Suárez, Busquets, and Jordi Alba are key players.

Columbus Crew forward Cucho Hernández (9) dribbles as D.C. United midfielder Martin Rodr’guez (14) defends.Geoff BurkeUSA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

With a shift to a fall-to-spring schedule, the MLS Cup Playoffs would take place between April and May, overlapping with the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs, the NBA Playoffs, and the early stages of the MLB regular season.

Finally, according to aforementioned outlet, another proposed change would be for MLS to pause its season during FIFA international breaks, something that is not currently practiced. While there are still many steps to take, MLS is contemplating a move that could bring a new dynamic to soccer in the United States and Canada.

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