MLS proposes radical season change to follow European model

In early December 2024, Major League Soccer (MLS) is contemplating a radical overhaul of its league calendar to adopt a European-style schedule that runs from autumn to spring. This change would break with nearly five decades of tradition in North American soccer, which has primarily operated during the summer months. MLS Commissioner Don Garber indicated that the league is revisiting the notion more seriously than in the past, noting that the current summer schedule conflicts with media attention due to competing sports like the NFL, baseball's World Series, and the start of the NBA season. Garber highlighted the difficulties of shifting the season due to the complexity that arises from North America's vast geography, multiple weather conditions, and time zones. The investment firms and stakeholders in soccer, including major sponsors like Adidas and Apple TV, have been consulted, reflecting the intensity of these discussions. The decision-making process included over 20 meetings with various clubs and around 15 specifically with club owners, showing a thorough approach to the potential switch, as some clubs have expressed concerns about the current early August closing window impacting player acquisitions negatively. If this change is implemented, the league would experience a significant transformation in scheduling and viewing dynamics, particularly since the playoff visibility would be improved by avoiding overlap with other major sports events. Garber stressed the importance of taking thoughtful and thorough steps in making any potential change to the existing structure, indicating that although a new calendar is being considered, proper details and planning are still necessary. Additionally, he mentioned the need for MLS to adjust to the increasingly crowded international calendar of tournaments that typically occur during the summer months, which further complicates the existing scheduling. Moreover, the MLS board is also weighing additional changes such as adopting NFL-style divisions instead of simply categorizing clubs into Eastern and Western conferences. This move might encourage greater competition and fan engagement across the board. The league has plans to pause during the FIFA Club World Cup taking place in the United States next year and will completely shut down during the expanded World Cup in 2026, which coincides with ongoing efforts to adapt its schedule and format to better fit the global soccer landscape. These discussions and potential changes reflect a crucial moment in the league's evolution as it strives to enhance its standing and relevance in the competitive North American sports market.