MLS 2027 Sprint Season: Key Details & Transition Explained

Major League Soccer will introduce a shortened 2027 "Sprint Season" from February to May 2027 to transition the league to a summer-to-spring calendar. The one-off campaign will bridge the gap before the 2027/28 season begins in mid-July 2027, preventing teams from enduring a seven-month hiatus following the December 2026 MLS Cup final. Each club will play a 14-game regular season followed by single-elimination playoffs.

The top eight teams from each conference will qualify for the postseason, concluding with the MLS Cup final in late May. The calendar switch aligns MLS with the European season and global transfer windows. The sprint season will also award qualification berths for the 2028 Concacaf Champions Cup and Leagues Cup.