The next step in Major League Soccer’s evolution is coming in 2027 with the shift to a summer-to-spring format that will see it align with the European soccer calendar.
To facilitate the switch, MLS has announced that there will be a short “sprint season” that runs from February to May 2027 before a summer break and the start of the 2027-28 season in mid to late July. Here is everything you need to know about the 2027 sprint season.
MLS sprint season 2027: Regular season and playoff format
Each team will play 14 matches — seven home and seven away — where they will face each of their conference opponents once. When the sprint season ends in April, the top eight teams of each conference will qualify for the 2027 MLS Cup Playoffs, where they will compete in a single-elimination bracket to determine the champion.
In addition to MLS Cup, there are five Concacaf Champions Cup berths on the line. Also, nine teams from each conference will qualify for Leagues Cup.
The schedule for the sprint season will be announced in the coming months. Atlanta United is finalizing its ticketing plan for the sprint season and will communicate more details to Season Ticket Members this summer.
As always, we at Scarves and Spikes will keep you posted with all the latest information, so be sure to follow us on our social channels and check back for further updates.
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I keep meaning to ask…when can the tea be spilled about who the “trialist” was before the season started?
I second this!
I thrice this!
I assumed it was Fafa
I was thinking that too, but when I went back to check the article for him, they said in the comments it wasn’t him.
Then yes, I am curious as well.
Since tata, (and I’m sure many players) signed a 2 year contract before this format was announced, will his contract expire during the middle of the first summer to spring season?
Pretty sure a lot of the new players and Tata were signed with the sprint season in mind. so there are some who’s contract ends after the sprint season and there are some that will have their contract end after the 27-28 season.
Feels like the playoffs are too many for a half-season. They’re going to take half the summer. Make it top 4. Or maybe top 6 with byes for the top seeds.
Getting rid of the best 2 of 3 first round will help condense it a lot.
The sprint season should be high tension and really fun. Really excited to see how it turns out.