MLS Considers major Schedule Shift to Align with Global Soccer Calendar
NEW YORK – Major league Soccer is actively exploring a critically important change to its competitive structure,potentially moving to a summer-spring schedule with a prolonged winter break,sources confirm. The proposed shift aims to align MLS with the schedules of most top international leagues,like the German Bundesliga,and address concerns about player welfare and competitive balance.
Currently, MLS operates on a spring-fall calendar. However, league officials are weighing the benefits of a winter break – potentially six weeks long – despite logistical challenges. While a break of that duration could lead to games extending into December and restarting in early February,concerns exist that a lengthy hiatus could diminish fan engagement.
The change would also necessitate adjustments for teams in colder climates. Clubs like Toronto FC and CF Montreal could face heavily weighted warmer-month home schedules. Montréal’s Stade Saputo lacks undersoil heating, potentially requiring alternate venues or extended road trips during winter months.
“I think obviously there’s going to be a little bit of an issue in the markets that have different climactic conditions,” said one Chief Soccer Officer (CSO). “Obviously like Montréal and toronto and New England and Chicago are probably going to be arduous places to play games in January, so you can adjust that in the schedule, but I think the climate would be the challenge in our league.”
Another CSO believes the change would disproportionately benefit southern teams. “In my eyes, it will come down to pretty much of a shift of our sports to southerly regions. I mean, the clubs in the south will be clearly advantaged as they do not need to play in [hot] summers anymore and also don’t have to invest in costly infrastructure like pitch heating, etc.”
Approval from the MLS Players Association (MLSPA) remains a significant hurdle. Discussions between MLS and the MLSPA regarding the potential schedule change have been ongoing for nearly a year, but remain unresolved and are described as “teetering.” Key sticking points include the league’s reluctance to commit to firm dates and concerns about the length of the offseason potentially hindering player movement through free agency.
The MLSPA is approaching negotiations cautiously, mindful of past experiences. The last Collective bargaining Agreement (CBA), ratified in 2021, involved two instances where the league renegotiated terms, reducing gains initially secured by the union. Recent disagreements over bonuses related to the FIFA Club World Cup further illustrate the strained relationship.
Despite these challenges, MLS is prepared to pursue the schedule change, anticipating it will yield considerable benefits for the league’s long-term growth and competitiveness.
