MLS approves further exploration of fall-to-spring schedule, earliest change would be 2027

CHICAGO — The MLS Board of Governors met Thursday in Chicago and authorized a "second phase of exploration" into a potential move to the international soccer calendar, which typically runs from August through May.

"Any potential changes would not take effect until the 2027 season at the earliest," the league said. "This next phase will include additional consultation with key stakeholders and the development of a comprehensive transition plan."

The MLS season currently begins in February and ends with the MLS Cup in December. Teams in colder climates, like Real Salt Lake, have already experienced harsh conditions in early-season matches, even under the current calendar.

An early March match at America First Field last year between RSL and LAFC gathered up to five inches of snow, and two RSL players were forced to come off at halftime of this year's match in Minnesota on March 29 due to "hypothermic conditions."

The change would also come with its fair share of advantages, however, most obviously matching the calendar of clubs around the world that MLS teams are increasingly doing business with to move players and plan inter-league friendlies and competitions.

Taking a break during the summer would also avoid extreme climate conditions on the other end of the spectrum, particularly in hot and humid areas like Texas, where RSL has struggled in recent years.

Initial talks around a calendar change proposed a switch immediately following the 2026 World Cup hosted in the summer by the United States, Mexico and Canada, but Thursday's vote delayed any potential shifts to at least another year down the road.

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