Total Soccer Show: USMNT, Champions League, EPL, and more ... Why is MLS changing its schedule and format? | The Big Thing
Nov 17, 2025
Major League Soccer is undergoing a significant shift to a summer-through-spring schedule by 2027, aiming to enhance national TV viewership and international competitiveness. The hosts explore how this change could help develop a smoother transfer window for players and potentially pave the way for MLS to be a springboard for talent heading to Europe. They discuss the implications of a short sprint season, the impact on local fan experiences, and how the league's partnership with Apple will change broadcasting dynamics.
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Calendar Shift Aims To Drive Growth
- MLS is changing its calendar primarily to accelerate national growth and TV revenue by aligning with global leagues.
- Owners believe the shift will create more national interest and transfer-market advantages for clubs.
Transfer Window Alignment Helps Recruitment
- Aligning transfer windows lets MLS clubs sign players at season start and reduces disruptive midseason sales.
- That alignment also helps MLS market itself as a springboard to Europe for younger talent.
Schedule Rearrangement Risks Fan Rhythm
- The new format rearranges months but keeps similar match-days, shifting games into colder months for some markets.
- That threatens match cadence and local fan rhythms in cold-weather cities.