Jul 24, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; MLS Commissioner Don Garber speaks with media members on the state of the league before the 2024 MLS All-Star Game at Lower.com Field.

One of the most monumental changes in Major League Soccer history has arrived, as the league has agreed to move to a fall-to-spring schedule starting in the 2027 season.

The decision came after a meeting of league owners on Thursday in Palm Beach, Fla.

The move will see the league change to a calendar that aligns with most other major leagues in the world. Currently the MLS season begins in February and concludes with MLS Cup in December.

The 2027–28 MLS regular season will kick off in mid-to-late July 2027. The playoffs and MLS Cup are set to take place in May 2028.

MLS will take midwinter break from mid-December through early February.

“The calendar shift is one of the most important decisions in our history,” said MLS commissioner Don Garber in a press release.

“Aligning our schedule with the world’s top leagues will strengthen our clubs’ global competitiveness, create better opportunities in the transfer market, and ensure our Audi MLS Cup playoffs take center stage without interruption. It marks the start of a new era for our league and for soccer in North America.”

One of the biggest benefits of the calendar change will be felt in the transfer market. MLS will now be aligned with primary and secondary transfer windows in most of the world's biggest leagues, making player sales and purchases much easier.

"We want to align on the calendar to be able to be even more engaged on the player transfer market," Garber said in July. "By year end this year, we could have $150 million in player sales. Compare that to where we were years ago. Imagine what that will be when we're aligned on the international calendar."

MLS will play the 2026 season as scheduled before a shortened season takes place from February to May 2027. The transition season will feature 14 regular-season games, playoffs, and MLS Cup.

This article originally appeared on Pro Soccer Wire: MLS calendar change: League to adopt fall-to-spring schedule in 2027

Reporting by Seth Vertelney, Pro Soccer Wire / Pro Soccer Wire

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