MLS NEXT Pro will shift its men’s soccer competition calendar in 2027, beginning with a Sprint Season before moving to a full Summer-to-Spring format in 2027-28.
The 2027 Sprint Season will run from February through May as a transition from the current calendar. Every club will play 14 regular-season matches from mid-February through late April, followed by four playoff rounds and MLS NEXT Pro Cup in late May.
Full Summer-to-Spring season starts in July 2027
The first full Summer-to-Spring season will be the 2027-28 campaign, running from July 2027 through June 2028 and including a winter break. Each club will play 28 regular-season matches, with the first half running from mid-July through mid-December 2027 and the second half scheduled from early February through early May 2028.
The 2027-28 playoffs will conclude with MLS NEXT Pro Cup in early June 2028. The new calendar is intended to align MLS NEXT Pro with top global soccer leagues and Major League Soccer.
MLS player pathway to share one calendar
Beginning with the 2027-28 season, MLS, MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT will share the same calendar. The continuity will provide additional opportunities for player movement between the three levels while increasing player development opportunities and efficiencies.
“This is a pivotal chapter for MLS NEXT Pro and the sport of soccer in our country,” said Eddie Pope, SVP, Competition & Operations, MLS NEXT Pro and SVP, MLS Sporting Development. “With our strategic partnership with KKR announced earlier this year, the tremendous momentum surrounding the FIFA World Cup this summer, and the transition to a new competition calendar in 2027, we are very excited about the next phase of growth for our league.”
Major League Soccer launched MLS NEXT Pro in 2022. The professional men’s soccer league operates in the United States and Canada and completes the professional player pathway from MLS NEXT to MLS first teams.
MLS NEXT Pro will have 30 teams in 2026, including 27 MLS-affiliated teams and three independent teams: Carolina Core FC, Chattanooga FC and Connecticut United FC. Additional clubs identified for future membership include Forest City Cleveland, Jacksonville Armada FC, AC Grand Rapids and The Island FC.
Source: Original report