The Major League Soccer (MLS) is exploring a significant shift in its competition calendar that could bring it closer to the structure used by top European leagues like the Premier League, LaLiga, and Bundesliga. However, according to an official statement from the MLS Board of Governors, no changes would be implemented before 2027.

August-to-May Season Under Consideration

The league confirmed that it has approved a second phase of exploration into the possibility of adopting a European-style season, running from August to May, instead of the current February-to-December model.

Such a change would impact not only the season schedule but also transfer windows, contract cycles, and the overall logistics of the competition.

Weather Is the Key Challenge

A major obstacle remains the harsh winter weather in cities like Chicago, Toronto, and Montreal, where matches in December, January, or February would be nearly impossible without heated infrastructure or indoor stadiums. For this reason, MLS has historically opted for a calendar that avoids the coldest months.

Still, the current structure has created misalignment with global transfer windows and international competitions, including the Concacaf Champions Cup and Leagues Cup, putting MLS clubs at a disadvantage.

Timeline and Future Adjustments

MLS stated that no calendar shift would take place before 2027, one year after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The league also hinted at possible adjustments to its regular season and playoff formats, though no specific changes were detailed.