MLS Calendar Adjustments Post-2026 World Cup
MLS Commissioner Don Garber has emphasized that any adjustments to the league’s calendar are unlikely to be implemented until after the 2026 World Cup. He characterized such a significant change as a “seismic” shift that would require careful planning and execution. Currently, Major League Soccer operates on a timeline from February to December, a system that has been in place since the league’s inception in 1996. Garber hinted at the potential for the league to transition to align with the FIFA calendar, which typically runs from fall to spring.
Exploring Transition Options
In remarks made before the MLS All-Star Game, Garber acknowledged that the league continues to explore options for this transition.
“While we’re not announcing anything today, we are doing extensive work with fans, partners, and clubs to assess how best to move forward,”
he stated. He articulated a preference for ensuring the transition is done correctly, noting the league’s unique challenges with teams spread across various climate and time zones. He expressed,
“It’s a long-term decision, and it deserves proper consideration rather than a hasty approach.”
Collective Bargaining Agreement and Roster Regulations
In addition to calendar considerations, Garber mentioned the upcoming Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations that could lead to changes in roster regulations. Club owners and team managers have expressed concern that current roster restrictions limit competitiveness and growth within the league. Garber indicated a willingness to rethink these rules, suggesting that adjustments could lead to more ambitious team rosters and an evolution of the league’s competitive format.
“As we navigate through the CBA negotiations, we’re not just looking at the roster strategy but also at potential structural changes to how we conduct our regular season and playoffs,”
he explained. This might involve innovative playoff formats that heighten the relevance of each regular season match and enhance fan engagement.
Future Structural Changes
Furthermore, when asked about the possibility of adopting a two-tournament season model similar to the Liga MX’s Apertura and Clausura setup, Garber noted that discussions regarding such structural changes are premature.
“We have a compelling format in development that we plan to unveil after we finalize the details,”
he said, emphasizing the aim of making the regular season more impactful and in line with global practices.
Current MLS Format and Future Focus
The current MLS format consists of a 34-game regular season followed by playoffs, where the top seven teams from each conference qualify for a first round best-of-three series leading to a knockout stage for the championship title. Garber also announced that this year’s MLS Cup will take place on December 6, hosted by the conference champions with the best record.
As the league prepares for potential transformative changes in its structure and operations, Garber reaffirmed a strategic focus on ensuring a future that not only strengthens competition but aligns MLS with international soccer standards.
