MLS Embraces Summer-to-Spring Calendar in Major Overhaul
Major League Soccer is set for a significant transformation as it prepares to shift from its traditional spring-to-fall schedule to a summer-to-spring operation starting next year. This change aligns MLS with prominent European leagues such as those in England, Spain, and Germany, marking a departure from the schedules of leagues in Norway, South Korea, and other US soccer competitions. The move aims to enhance MLS's global standing and strengthen its position in the international transfer market.
Historical Context and Immediate Impact
Since its inception in 1996, MLS has maintained a consistent spring-to-fall schedule, typically running from late February to early December. This routine has been a rare constant in a league that has seen numerous changes in team names, crests, and logos over the years. The upcoming calendar flip will introduce a "sprint season" from February to May 2027, featuring 14 regular-season games followed by playoffs. This interim period is likened to the MLS is Back Tournament of 2020, offering entertainment but not fully representing the league's standard operations.
For long-time fans, the next 18 months may feel disjointed, but players and coaches are expected to focus on the immediate games, emphasizing that "the most important game is the next one." Chief soccer officers, however, are already strategizing to leverage the schedule shift for competitive advantage.
Roster Planning and Financial Flexibility
Clubs are adapting their roster management and financial strategies in anticipation of the calendar change. Corey Wray, sporting director for St Louis City, notes that while the schedule shift is a consideration, it does not drastically alter his approach. He emphasizes the importance of flexibility in roster building, guided by league rules on contracting processes.
In the recent free agency window, one-and-a-half-year deals have become the norm, providing players with more stability without forcing clubs into long-term commitments. This benefits players who typically seek longer contracts, as noted by Wray: "I think it does side with them pretty well, where they get split in the middle and get a year and a half in those situations."
Key Signings and Strategic Moves
Nashville SC has made notable acquisitions, including Cristian Espinoza, a two-time MLS All-Star from San Jose. At age 30, Espinoza joins a team that achieved success in 2025 by winning the US Open Cup but fell short in the playoffs. Mike Jacobs, Nashville's executive, highlights the need for foresight in such signings, given MLS's complex roster rules. He states, "When someone like Cristian was available, and we knew he was the right guy, we went for a full-court press trying to acquire him."
Minnesota United, led by Khaled El-Ahmad, has accumulated $7.26 million in General Allocation Money (GAM), the highest in the league. GAM is used for trades and salary cap compliance, and El-Ahmad stresses the value of financial flexibility: "Having money in the bank is always better than not having any." This approach aims to maintain competitiveness across transfer windows, whether through domestic or international acquisitions.
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
The calendar change is expected to influence how clubs utilize resources like GAM, international slots, and discovery rights. Nashville, for instance, has historically focused on domestic talent, trading international slots to bolster their squad. Jacobs explains, "We want to have players who are prime age, because athletically, they can do certain things and also where they fit the whole ecosystem of their potential market value."
Ultimately, the shift to a summer-to-spring schedule represents a strategic move to elevate MLS's profile. While it introduces challenges, clubs are proactively adjusting their models to balance on-field success with financial gains. As Jacobs concludes, "We want to be aspirational as a club," reflecting a league-wide ambition to grow beyond its current boundaries.
