Major League Soccer (MLS) has officially announced that any transition to a fall-to-spring season format aligning with the global football calendar will not take place before the 2027 season at the earliest. The decision comes following a meeting of the league’s Board of Governors in Chicago, where it was agreed to proceed with further exploration into the feasibility of the schedule change.

Currently, MLS operates on a spring-to-fall calendar, with the season typically starting in late February or early March and culminating with the MLS Cup in December. While this model helps avoid the worst of North America’s winter weather, it often clashes with international tournaments, FIFA windows, and the global transfer market.

For years, league officials and observers have debated the benefits of aligning MLS with the traditional European football calendar, which runs from late summer to spring. Proponents argue such a move would enhance MLS’s standing in the global game by creating a more synchronized competition timeline and helping clubs better navigate the international transfer market.

However, the logistical challenges remain significant particularly weather-related concerns. Frigid winter conditions across northern U.S. and Canadian cities make outdoor play impractical during certain months, potentially affecting attendance, player safety, and broadcast quality.

“We clearly have work to do to figure out whether or not we can move over to the international calendar, and we’re not there yet,” MLS Commissioner Don Garber said during the meetings. He emphasized the league's need for further analysis and feedback from stakeholders including clubs, players, and broadcast partners before moving forward with any permanent changes.

While the 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted jointly by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico presents a golden opportunity for MLS to modernize and globalize its format, the league is taking a cautious, strategic approach. Any potential shift will now be assessed with a target of the 2027 season as the earliest feasible date for implementation.

In the meantime, MLS will continue to study the impacts of the change across sporting, financial, and operational dimensions. Garber added that the league is not rushing the process, stating, "We need to be thoughtful, and we need to get it right.”

For now, fans can expect the traditional spring-to-fall schedule to remain in place through at least the next two seasons, as MLS balances tradition, innovation, and the complexities of North American geography in planning its next evolution.