MLS leadership is evaluating options to reform the structure of its competition. A potential transition to a season that runs from autumn to spring is among the proposed changes.
According to The Athletic, this change aims to align MLS’s schedule with those of Europe’s leading leagues.
In addition to altering the timing of the season, the league plans to eliminate its conference system and adopt a single, unified league table. Instead of the current East-West division, five new divisions are proposed. Club owners hope these changes can be implemented as early as 2026. However, no official decision has yet been made.
Adopting an autumn-to-spring calendar would allow MLS to synchronize its calendar with the transfer windows used in most countries. The regular season is expected to begin in July or August and end in April. Playoff matches are planned for May, with a break scheduled for December and January.
