MLS's Bold 2027 Calendar Overhaul Could Revolutionize Transfer Market Dominance
Major League Soccer is restructuring its schedule to match Europe's premier competitions starting in 2027, a move that should strengthen the league's influence in player transfers and acquisitions.
MLS has historically kicked off in February and concluded in December with the MLS Cup finale. The schedule adjustment means the competition will commence in July and wrap up in May. From a player movement standpoint, clubs will now operate on the same timeline as European counterparts during the summer months. The majority of European transfer activity occurs in summer rather than winter due to the challenges of securing players during active seasons.
The same principle applies to MLS, although their market previously functioned opposite to Europe's. They would attempt to recruit players during their break while European clubs were in mid-season, and their mid-campaign window coincided with Europe's downtime.
Tani Oluwaseyi serves as a recent illustration, having joined Villarreal from Minnesota United this past summer.
Minnesota United were hesitant to part with the Canadian international forward—chief soccer officer Khaled El-Ahmad revealed to The Athletic: "We were unwilling to sell Tani, we declined multiple times.
"However, it reached a point where the offer was at such an elevated level to warrant discussions. Additionally, Villarreal represents a club of exceptional reputation. As an organization and league, we should be transferring players to elite clubs."
The flip side is that MLS franchises have frequently struggled with how capitalizing on a player might impact their playoff aspirations. Now, with the transfer period synchronized with European schedules, teams have additional time to strategize and explore market opportunities. They can also integrate new signings before seasons begin without concerns about adjustment periods.
MLS Gaining Extra Benefits in Summer Transfer Period
One modification that may have escaped attention is the extended duration of MLS's summer transfer period.
While Europe's elite five competitions—the Premier League, Ligue 1, La Liga, Bundesliga and Serie A—all conclude simultaneously, Turkey's Süper Lig remains active slightly longer. MLS will allegedly continue beyond the top five leagues, potentially making the competition an appealing option. This is particularly relevant if the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America generates increased sporting enthusiasm.
The Süper Lig has traditionally served as a pathway for Premier League clubs, for instance, to transfer players after their window closes. This recent summer, Manchester United loaned André Onana to Trabzonspor following their deadline day acquisition of Senne Lammens.
Whether MLS organizations can financially compete once the schedule changes remains uncertain given the resources of certain Turkish clubs, but it represents another opportunity for teams to explore. MLS sides also face constraints from wage and squad regulations like Designated Players. Potential modifications to these frameworks could enhance the league's financial capabilities.
Summer traditionally represents a more active period for European organizations. Taking the Premier League as an example, €2.37 billion ($2.75 billion) was invested in the 2024–25 summer transfer period including 277 new arrivals, according to Transfermarkt. The subsequent January window recorded only 77 arrivals and €504 million in expenditures.
Clubs like Inter Miami and LAFC have prospered this decade by acquiring Lionel Messi and Son Heung-min respectively during seasons, but these represent exceptions. Given the limited winter activity, it's typically challenging to attract talent from European organizations mid-campaign.
Son was even connected with a potential loan departure from LAFC this winter to maintain match fitness for the World Cup. However, he dismissed such speculation.
"If I need to replace a center back in January, (clubs in top five leagues) want to offer us an inferior player because teams are reluctant to sell their quality players then," an anonymous CSO told The Athletic.
Operating on the same calendar as other leagues should enhance MLS as a destination, and establish clubs as legitimate competitors, in the transfer marketplace.