MLS Considers Significant Changes to its Schedule and Format
The MLS commissioner, Don Garber, has reiterated that the league could experience significant changes, but these will not be implemented before the 2026 World Cup. Garber emphasized that a transformation of this magnitude requires time for its execution. Garber hinted at the possibility of aligning MLS with the FIFA calendar, which would involve a change from the current season (February to December) to an autumn-to-spring format, similar to that of other major leagues.Garber explained that, if it materializes, this change would take place after the 2026 World Cup. He acknowledged that it is a “seismic” modification that requires careful consideration. The league must take into account the various climate zones and schedules that exist between the teams. They prefer to take the time necessary to do it correctly. Additionally, Garber announced that league executives are reconsidering the roster strategy and possible modifications to the competition format. Several club owners and general managers have expressed concern about the strict roster restrictions, arguing that these limit the growth and competitiveness of the league internationally. The commissioner addressed the possibility of implementing different regulations to satisfy the teams and facilitate the creation of more ambitious squads.We continue to evaluate the possibility of a transition to the FIFA international match calendar. We will not make any announcements today, but we continue to work hard with our fans, partners, soccer directors, and clubs to get closer to the point where we can make that decision. We believe that alignment makes sense.
Don Garber, MLS Commissioner
Garber also mentioned that the league is analyzing data and evaluating how resource allocation can drive MLS growth. The goal is to win the Club World Cup, and to do so, the league must manage resources within the current economic environment. The strategy must guide decision-making, and the league will continue to evolve to move forward. When asked about the possibility of implementing a season divided into two tournaments, similar to the Clausura and Apertura format of Liga MX, Garber indicated that it was too early to discuss the details.As we prepare for CBA negotiations, it’s time to rethink, as we develop the future of our league, what our roster strategy should be. We are considering an evolution of our competition format that contemplates a different structure for our regular season. We are thinking about different structures for the conferences, in a different playoff format that we believe will maximize the competitiveness of our league, will make each regular season game count even more than it counts today and engage our fans.
Don Garber, MLS Commissioner
Currently, MLS consists of a 34-match regular season, followed by a playoff tournament. The top seven teams in each conference advance directly to a best-of-three first-round series, before moving to a single-elimination format to reach the final. Teams ranked eighth and ninth in each conference compete in a playoff series to qualify. Garber also revealed that the MLS Cup final will be played on December 6th of this year, and the match will be held at the home of the team with the best ranking of the two conferences.It’s too early to talk about that possibility. We have a really exciting format that will be ready to present once we’ve completed all the formalities and we’ll talk about that at the end-of-year press conference, but it will be great. And it will make the regular season more meaningful. It will be more aligned with the rest of the world in terms of how they play their competition.
Don Garber, MLS Commissioner
