Major League Soccer announced Thursday that it will shift its regular season calendar to align with the world’s top soccer leagues.
Starting in summer 2027, the league will run a summer-to-spring season, a move aimed at boosting global competitiveness, improving transfer opportunities, and giving the MLS Cup playoffs top billing in May.
For Columbus Crew fans, this means a few changes are coming. The 2027–28 regular season will kick off in mid-to-late July 2027 and wrap with the Audi MLS Cup in late May 2028.
There will also be a midwinter break from mid-December through early February, likely keeping the Crew off the pitch during the coldest months.
Before that, a short transition season from February to May 2027 will feature a 14-game schedule and playoffs to determine qualification for U.S. Open Cup, Leagues Cup, and Concacaf Champions Cup spots.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber called the shift “one of the most important decisions in our history,” highlighting benefits like better alignment with international tournaments and smoother participation in the global transfer market. Clubs, including the Crew, will now have the chance to integrate summer signings before the season kicks off.
The decision comes after a two-year review that included input from team owners, players, and fans.
Survey data showed strong support for the move, with 92% of soccer viewers backing the change. MLS also studied weather and travel logistics to maintain a high-quality fan experience, particularly for teams in northern markets like Columbus.
While the overall season window remains similar to today’s schedule, the new alignment could mean warmer, more predictable conditions for Crew matches in May and early summer, and a new rhythm for fans planning to attend games.
“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 center stage without interruption,” said MLS Commissioner Don Garber.
“It marks the start of a new era for our league and for soccer in North America.” -MLS Commissioner Don Garber
Details about the 2027 transition season and competition formats will be released later, giving the Crew and other MLS teams time to prepare for the historic shift.
