MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER has announced a groundbreaking change to the competition’s schedule, described as a “great step forward”.
The North American-based league currently operates between February and December in a given year.
However, league chiefs have voted to change the league calendar from 2027 to align with other top leagues.
The MLS will move to a summer-to-spring format in one of the biggest changes the league has seen since its formation in 1995.
MLS commissioner Don Garber explained the decision was taken in an effort to strengthen the league’s “global competitiveness” and create better opportunities in the transfer market.
Garber said: “The calendar shift is one of the most important decisions in our history.
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“Aligning our schedule with the world’s top leagues will strengthen our clubs’ global competitiveness, create better opportunities in the transfer market, and ensure our Audi MLS Cup Playoffs take centre stage without interruption.
“It marks the start of a new era for our league and for soccer in North America.”
The change following the World Cup next summer comes after a two-year review process.
Currently the league boasts the likes of football superstars Lionel Messi, Son Heung-min, Hirving Lozano and Thomas Muller.
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The new schedule is also designed to reduce clashes with international fixtures and summer tournaments, such as the World Cup, European Championships or Club World Cup.
Moving the end of the season to spring also means the play-offs will take place when the US domestic sports calendar is less crowded and the weather is milder.
Part of the change would also see players have a planned winter break with no games scheduled in January.
In addition to the calendar change, league owners have also voted to change the regular season format to a single-table competition rather than a divided Eastern and Western Conference as is currently the case.
An MLS statement said 92 per cent of fans supported this shift.
MLS bosses are still working with the league’s Players Association to finalise an agreement on a transition plan.
That being said, initial projections indicate 91 per cent of games would still fall within the current MLS season window.
The move is also supported by the US Men’s national team and former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino.
He said: “This is a great step forward for MLS to be on par with the top leagues in the world.
“The ability to align with the international calendar will have a huge positive impact for the players, coaches and clubs.”
The MLS is currently at this season’s Conference semi-finals stage.
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In the Western Conference Vancouver Whitecaps are facing LAFC and San Diego are taking on Minnesota.
Meanwhile in the Eastern Conference, Cincinnati are up against Inter Miami while Philadelphia play New York City.
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