Major League Soccer is considering one of the most significant changes in its three-decade history: shifting its calendar to a fall-to-spring schedule, in line with much of the global soccer world. However, league officials made clear this week that the move is still under evaluation and not yet finalized.
No Vote Yet, But Talks Continue
During a board of governors meeting held Wednesday in Austin—coinciding with MLS All-Star festivities at Q2 Stadium—commissioner Don Garber confirmed that the league had not yet taken formal action on the proposal. Still, the idea remains a focal point of discussion among league leadership.
“Making this change is seismic,” Garber said following the meeting. “It’s not something we should do lightly. If we do make the change, we’re not going to go back. I would rather take our time and get it right.”
The discussion builds on a previous meeting in April, where club owners agreed to continue exploring the potential shift, but stopped short of approving a transition.
Potential Timeline: No Change Before 2027
Any schedule change, Garber emphasized, would not be implemented before 2027, giving MLS additional time to study the full implications and make the necessary adjustments.
“We think that alignment [to the international standard] makes sense,” Garber added.
Such a change would bring MLS in line with top global leagues like the Premier League (UK), LaLiga (Spain), Bundesliga (Germany), Serie A (Italy), and Ligue 1 (France). It would also enable better integration with the international player transfer windows, enhancing the league’s competitive and commercial positioning worldwide.
A Complex Decision with Climate Challenges
While aligning with the global calendar offers benefits, Garber pointed out the complexities that MLS faces due to North America’s vast and varied geography. Unlike European nations with more consistent climates, MLS would have to contend with both extreme heat in the summer and harsh winter conditions in many regions.
“It’s getting hotter, and that’s clearly an issue, playing through the depth and the core of the warmest months in many of our markets,” Garber explained. “It just adds to the challenges and complexity that MLS has to deal with.”
In addition to climate, the shift would have ripple effects across media rights, player contracts, sponsorship deals, stadium usage, and broadcast scheduling—areas that require careful consideration before a permanent transition.
What’s Next?
MLS has made no secret of its ambition to grow its international relevance and stature. Aligning its schedule with the global game is viewed as a logical step toward that goal. But as Garber emphasized, the league must ensure that the change is sustainable and beneficial across all fronts.
“This is one of a thousand issues we’re dealing with,” Garber said. “We have to make the decision that’s going to set us up best for the future.”
For now, MLS remains on its traditional spring-to-fall calendar, but the future could bring a dramatic redefinition of the league’s rhythm and role in the global soccer ecosystem.
