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MLS Shifts Calendar to Match European Football Seasons

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, November 14th 2025 at 4:57 GMT by Couriermail

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MLS Moves Calendar to Match the World’s Elite Leagues

On April 28 2023, Major League Soccer (MLS) made a sweeping announcement that could reshape how the North American league operates: the 2024 season will now run from late March to early December, mirroring the schedule of the world’s top football leagues—England’s Premier League, Spain’s La Liga, Italy’s Serie A, Germany’s Bundesliga and France’s Ligue 1. The change, which also introduces a brief mid‑season break for playoffs, is part of MLS’s broader effort to “align its calendar with the world’s top football leagues” and to streamline player movement across borders.

Why the calendar shift matters

MLS has long operated on a spring‑to‑autumn schedule, largely to accommodate the United States’ weather, the domestic college‑football system and the CONCACAF Gold Cup, which typically takes place in the summer months. The league’s season usually runs from early February to late October, followed by a playoff run that can stretch into early November. While this schedule has worked well for MLS in the past, the league’s leadership has increasingly felt that a realignment would unlock new commercial opportunities, improve player quality and deepen its global integration.

1. Transfer windows and player recruitment – By adopting a calendar that parallels European leagues, MLS clubs can more easily sign players coming out of winter‑break or during the summer transfer window. The new alignment also means that MLS can tap into the same pool of free agents and loan deals that feed the Premier League, La Liga and others, thereby raising the overall standard of play.

2. International competitiveness – The United States, Canada and Mexico have all struggled to match the depth and talent of European squads in major tournaments. An aligned schedule allows MLS clubs to better coordinate with national‑team obligations, reducing the risk of losing key players to injury or fatigue during critical international windows.

3. Broadcast and marketing synergy – European football commands an enormous global audience. By synchronizing match dates and times with those of the Premier League and its counterparts, MLS can attract more overseas viewers and secure better broadcast deals, especially in markets where soccer fans are used to watching their favorite teams at the same time of day as the MLS fixture.

4. Fan engagement – Aligning the calendar also helps MLS fans enjoy a more predictable seasonal rhythm. Fans can plan their travel, merchandising and viewing schedules knowing that the league will follow a structure similar to other professional leagues.

How the new calendar looks

The MLS 2024 schedule will still consist of a 34‑game season for each of the 27 clubs, but the timing will shift dramatically. Key changes include:

The new “mid‑season break” will not be a simple pause; instead, it will be an intensive playoff run, culminating in the MLS Cup final on the last Saturday of December. This final will be played at a neutral venue—mirroring the Champions League final in Europe—providing a grand spectacle that MLS fans and sponsors will love.

The MLS All‑Star Game and international fixtures

Under the new calendar, the MLS All‑Star Game will take place during the mid‑season break, giving the league a high‑profile showcase event that can compete with the likes of the Bundesliga’s “All‑Star Game” or the Premier League’s “Community Shield.” The game will be scheduled for the first weekend in December and will feature the MLS All‑Stars against an international club or a selected national team.

The shift also affects how MLS interacts with international competitions. FIFA’s official calendar will now have a greater overlap with MLS, which means the league will need to manage player releases more carefully. MLS clubs will be required to give players to their national teams during the World Cup, Copa America, Gold Cup and Olympic qualifiers. In exchange, MLS will benefit from the international exposure that these tournaments bring to its players and clubs.

Reactions from the MLS community

Club Executives – MLS’s Commissioner, Don Garber, stated that the new calendar “will help us grow the sport in North America and raise the level of competition to match the best in the world.” Many club owners see the change as a step toward attracting marquee international stars and boosting revenue from sponsorships and broadcast rights.

Players – While some players are excited about the possibility of moving to European leagues without a calendar conflict, others worry about the compressed schedule. The mid‑season break will reduce the number of midweek games, which could help keep players fresher but may also limit their earning opportunities.

Fans – The fan base is divided. Some supporters appreciate the opportunity to watch MLS and European games concurrently, while others are concerned that the December playoff run could clash with holiday traditions.

Looking Ahead

The 2024 calendar change is not merely a tweak; it is a strategic realignment that positions MLS within the global football ecosystem. By aligning its schedule with Europe’s top leagues, MLS can:

• Attract high‑profile talent – Free agents who might have otherwise chosen European clubs could now consider MLS.
• Boost broadcast deals – International broadcasters may be more willing to pay for rights if MLS matches can be sold alongside European fixtures.
• Improve international performance – Better player availability during major tournaments could improve the competitive standing of the U.S., Canada and Mexico on the world stage.
• Create a stronger brand narrative – A synchronized calendar signals MLS’s ambition to be seen as a “global” league.

With the 2024 season set to begin in March and conclude in December, MLS will be tested in how well it can execute this ambitious strategy. The league will need to carefully balance domestic interests with international ambitions, ensuring that the quality of play, fan experience and financial viability all rise in tandem.

Whether this move will transform MLS into a true global powerhouse remains to be seen, but the league’s decision to follow in the footsteps of football’s elite is a bold step toward the future of the sport in North America.