MLS Plans Major Playoff Overhaul Ahead of 2028 Season Shift

League and club sources told the Guardian that MLS intends to debut a revamped postseason in 2028, coinciding with the league’s move to a fall-to-spring calendar. The proposal could feature a double-elimination round and expand the field to as many as 20 teams, drawn from a single league-wide table rather than the current Eastern and Western conferences. Eight of the 20 would compete in a play-in round, with four advancing to join 12 others in a 16-team knockout stage. After each round, teams would be re-seeded to give higher-seeded clubs a competitive and hosting advantage. The Guardian’s review of a tentative schedule shows playoffs beginning in late April and concluding with MLS Cup on Sunday 21 May 2028.

The Guardian

Since its inception, MLS has altered its postseason several times. Early seasons allowed eight of ten teams to qualify, using best-of-three series. Subsequent revisions introduced two-legged ties (2003) and, in 2019, a single-elimination format. The current “play-in” match between the eighth- and ninth-place teams in each conference was added in 2023 to increase television inventory after the league’s Apple TV rights deal. The proposed double-elimination component mirrors the Australian Football League’s long-standing “double-chance” system, a format not previously used in major U.S. sports.

The Guardian

Proponents argue the expanded, reseeded structure will further incentivize regular-season performance, as only the top eight teams avoid the play-in round. By increasing the number of postseason matches, the league hopes to generate additional broadcast content for its media partners. Critics—including fans, coaches and players—have previously decried the complexity of the current format, suggesting the overhaul could simplify the path to the championship while preserving excitement.

The Guardian

MLS declined to comment on the specific format details. The league did confirm, via the Guardian, that Los Angeles FC co-owner Larry Berg will assume the commissioner role next year, succeeding Don Garber. Alongside the playoff changes, MLS plans a shortened “sprint season” in 2027 before fully aligning with the international calendar in 2028.

The Guardian

• 2027: Shortened sprint season to precede the calendar shift.

The Guardian

• 2028: Introduction of the new playoff format and fall-to-spring schedule, with MLS Cup slated for 21 May 2028.

The Guardian

These developments represent the most foundational structural adjustments in MLS history, aiming to reshape both competitive dynamics and the league’s media strategy.

The Guardian