With its decision to more closely align its competition calendar with that of most European club leagues, MLS is taking a step forward. How much of one is still to be determined.

Beginning in 2027, the league will operate on a summer-to-spring schedule, with the season beginning in mid-July, Decision Day taking place the following April, and MLS Cup playoffs taking place in May. Within that calendar will be a winter break, which will see MLS sit idle from mid-December through early- or mid-February.

In some respects, the change is long overdue, with the proposal first being raised 20 years ago. It has long been championed by many teams' technical staffs, that feel that not aligning with the European calendar makes it more difficult to participate in the global transfer market. Right

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