MLS Commissioner Reveals "Seismic" Plans for Revolutionary Winter Schedule Overhaul
Major League Soccer appears increasingly poised to embrace a European-style winter calendar moving forward, though the league refrained from revealing specific plans before Wednesday's 2025 MLS All-Star Game.
Despite the American premier division's potential calendar restructuring, the Board of Governors chose not to formally approve the transition during their Austin, Texas gathering.
"This transformation is monumental," MLS commissioner Don Garber explained to media during his mid-season briefing. "It's not a decision we should rush into. Once we implement this change, there's no turning back...I'd prefer we take the necessary time to execute it properly."
While earlier reports indicated MLS might synchronize its timeline with Europe's premier competitions before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Garber confirmed the transition would occur following the tournament.
"We're not revealing specifics today, but we're conducting extensive research with our supporters, partners, soccer leadership, and franchises to bring us closer to making this determination. We believe this synchronization makes strategic sense."
The commissioner also highlighted the league's ongoing efforts to coordinate with FIFA's international calendar and better accommodate international breaks compared to previous years, demonstrated by playoff scheduling modifications that prevent teams from competing without international players during November's FIFA window.
MLS faces unique obstacles including diverse climate conditions across the continent and three distinct time zones, challenges shared by few other leagues beyond Russia's Premier League.
"Temperatures are rising, creating obvious difficulties when playing during the peak summer months across many of our markets," Garber noted. "This compounds the challenges and complexities MLS must navigate.
"People frequently inquire about addressing this particular concern, but it's one among thousands we're managing. We must choose the path that positions us optimally for tomorrow."
The 2025 MLS Cup is scheduled for December 6.
Roster Modifications on the Horizon?
Beyond potential scheduling changes, team construction methods may also evolve significantly, with roster development becoming a crucial future component.
Such modifications would require collective bargaining between MLS and the MLS Players' Association, whose current agreement expires in 2028. Amendments would be necessary for implementing schedule and other changes by 2027.
New features might include enhanced roster flexibility options, potentially moving the league away from its rigid salary cap and Designated Player framework primarily utilized since David Beckham's LA Galaxy arrival in 2007.
"Entering CBA discussions, it's appropriate to reconsider our roster approach as we shape our league's future," Garber stated.
"If our goal is Club World Cup victory, which it is, we must determine how to achieve this within today's economic landscape. All revenue and expenses are interconnected, and strategic thinking should guide our decisions as we continue evolving to advance this league."