Official: MLS will implement New Year’s Eve format starting in the summer of 2027

According to official news, MLS (Major League Soccer League) will implement a New Year's Eve competition format starting in 2027.

MLS officials stated that starting in the summer of 2027, MLS will adopt a New Year's Eve format, which will be one of the most important changes in the history of the league. MLS is continuing to work with the MLS Players Association to finalize the transition plan.

With this schedule adjustment, MLS will launch a new regular season format. The league will also continue to evaluate the MLS Cup playoff format and consider possible adjustments, but no changes have yet been finalized.

The schedule adjustment and new regular season format were approved at the MLS Board of Governors meeting in Palm Beach, Florida on Thursday.

The 2027-28 MLS regular season will start in mid-to-late July 2027 and end with the playoffs and MLS Cup finals in late May 2028.

Like other major international leagues, MLS will enter the winter break from mid-December to early February of the following year, and no league games will be scheduled in January.

Before the schedule adjustment, MLS will conduct a transition season from February to May 2027, including 14 regular season games, playoffs and MLS Cup finals. The results of these competitions will determine qualification for the 2027 U.S. Open Cup, Canadian Championship, North American League Cup and CONCACAF Champions League.

MLS has also conducted weather and logistical analysis to ensure a high-quality viewing experience for fans. Although the final schedule is still being determined, the league plans to reduce the number of home games in the northern region between December and February.

Strategic advantages of schedule adjustment:

1. Optimize transfer market activities

By being consistent with the global schedule, MLS clubs can more effectively participate in major transfer windows, thereby increasing the opportunities to introduce and sell top players.

2. Maximize player recruitment

Since most player transfers around the world occur in the summer, this will enhance the season goals of each team. With star players joining in the summer window, the new schedule allows MLS teams to fully integrate summer signings before the start of the regular season.

3. Consistent with the FIFA schedule

Taking into account FIFA's international competition window, the new schedule will reduce conflicts between MLS games and players' national team call-ups, especially during the summer competition.

4. Improving the level of the playoffs

The MLS playoffs and MLS Cup finals will be held in May, with ideal time and weather conditions to provide the best experience and will not be affected by the FIFA competition window. This adjustment will also give the event a prime position in the sporting calendar, ensuring that the league's most important games receive maximum attention and exposure.