MLS releases 2027 sprint season schedule as league prepares to shift to European calendar
MLS has announced the schedule for its 2027 sprint season, a condensed bridge campaign designed to transition the league to a European-style calendar. Each club will play 14 regular season matches, with the season opening February 19 and concluding on Decision Day on May 8. The top eight teams in each conference will advance to a single-elimination playoff format, with the full playoff schedule still to be announced. Following the sprint season, the 2027-28 MLS season is set to begin in July 2027 and run through May 2028, aligning the league with the cadence of most European competitions.
This split will help get MLS onto the same transfer market as the rest of the world.
Why it matters
For brands: Weekly marquee matchups, a continued Walmart Saturday Showdown, and Sunday Night Soccer programming give sponsors and broadcasters consistent high-profile inventory throughout the sprint season.
For media: The condensed 14-game regular season with highlighted weekly matchups and two branded broadcast windows shapes a distinct content calendar for rights holders to plan around.
For athletes: Players will no longer face the prospect of being sold mid-season during the summer transfer window, and the league's alignment with international break schedules means clubs will less often be without key players.
Read the full story at CBS Sports
Sources
- CBS Sports · Chuck Booth: MLS reveals 2027 sprint season schedule ahead of shift to European calendar