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MLS Announces 2027 Shift to Summer-Spring 'Sprint Season'

3/20/2026

26 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Major League Soccer (MLS) will implement a 'Sprint Season' in 2027, shifting to a summer-to-spring schedule.
The season runs February–May and features 14 intra-conference matches per team.
The top eight teams from each conference qualify for a single-elimination playoff culminating in the MLS Cup.
The shift aims to align MLS with European leagues and improve transfers.
A winter break runs mid-December to early February, with no January matches.

History

Historical Context

Major League Soccer (MLS) launched in 1996 with 10 teams to promote soccer in the U.S. and Canada. By 2027, it plans to adopt a summer-to-spring schedule, aligning with European leagues like the Premier League. This shift, alongside a 10-year broadcasting deal with Apple Inc. starting in 2023, aims to enhance MLS's competitiveness and global presence, reflecting trends in American sports.

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Story summary

Major League Soccer (MLS) will implement a 'Sprint Season' in 2027, shifting to a summer-to-spring schedule.
The season runs February–May and features 14 intra-conference matches per team.
The top eight teams from each conference qualify for a single-elimination playoff culminating in the MLS Cup.
The shift aims to align MLS with European leagues and improve transfers.
A winter break runs mid-December to early February, with no January matches.

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