MLS Embraces Summer-to-Spring Calendar, Mirroring European Leagues
Major League Soccer is undergoing a significant transformation as it prepares to shift from its traditional spring-to-fall schedule to a summer-to-spring format starting in 2026. This change aligns MLS with prominent European leagues such as those in England, Spain, and Germany, marking a departure from the schedules used in leagues like Norway and South Korea. The move is designed to enhance MLS's global competitiveness and strengthen its position in the international transfer market.
A Historic Shift for American Soccer
Since its inception in 1996, MLS has maintained a consistent spring-to-fall operational calendar, typically running from late February to early December. This schedule has become a well-established routine, despite occasional adjustments due to competitions like the Leagues Cup and Club World Cup. The upcoming transition represents one of the most substantial changes in the league's history, ending a nearly three-decade-long tradition.
The shift will introduce what executives are calling a "sprint season" in spring 2027, serving as a bridge between the 2026 and 2027-28 seasons. This condensed period will feature 14 regular-season games followed by playoffs, drawing comparisons to the MLS is Back Tournament held during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. While entertaining, this sprint season is not expected to reflect the league's standard operational model.
Clubs Strategize for the Calendar Flip
MLS clubs are already adapting their roster planning and financial strategies to accommodate the schedule change. Sporting directors across the league are approaching the transition with careful consideration, focusing on maintaining flexibility in player contracts and salary cap management.
Corey Wray, sporting director for St Louis City, emphasized that the schedule change is just another factor in roster construction. "It's not a massive thing of importance when it comes to how I'm building it out," Wray stated. "We take guidance from the league in terms of our contracting process, and they can provide us with some clarity on how it could work for the rules. But outside of that, I'm looking to create ultimate flexibility in the roster for the next couple of windows."
Contract Adjustments and Player Movement
The impending schedule change has influenced contract negotiations during the recent free agency window. One-and-a-half year deals have become more common, offering players greater stability without forcing clubs into long-term commitments beyond their ideal timelines. Wray noted that this arrangement benefits players, who typically seek two-year contracts while clubs often prefer one-year deals.
Nashville SC has been particularly active in the transfer market, making strategic signings to strengthen their squad. The club secured two-time MLS All-Star Cristian Espinoza from San Jose, a significant acquisition following the departure of longtime captain Walker Zimmerman. At 30 years old, Espinoza brings experience and offensive prowess to a team that won the US Open Cup in 2025 but fell short in the playoffs against Inter Miami.
Mike Jacobs, in his ninth year with Nashville SC, explained the strategic thinking behind such moves. "When it comes to things like contract length of the current players you have, and also about the salary cap and how you're utilizing that and GAM for us, we want optionality," Jacobs said. "Let's have the flexibility so when the right guy presents itself, we can strike."
Financial Planning and Roster Flexibility
General Allocation Money (GAM) continues to play a crucial role in MLS roster construction, with teams using these funds to add talent while remaining salary cap compliant. Each team receives $3.28 million in GAM annually from the league, with additional amounts available through trades and competition achievements.
Minnesota United has accumulated the league's highest GAM balance at $7.26 million, providing significant flexibility as they aim to improve upon recent quarter-final playoff exits. Khaled El-Ahmad, in his third year with Minnesota United, emphasized the importance of strategic financial planning. "Having money in the bank is always better than not having any," El-Ahmad said. "I want Minnesota to be a consistent team that is competitive. It's a strategic decision to always make sure that we have flexibility."
GAM serves multiple purposes, including facilitating trades within the league and "buying down" player salary budget charges to maintain cap compliance. This financial tool, combined with considerations like international roster spots and discovery rights, requires careful management as clubs prepare for the calendar transition.
Domestic Talent and International Market Dynamics
Nashville SC has historically prioritized domestic talent, often trading international roster slots to acquire additional GAM for squad investment. This approach varies annually based on market conditions and team needs, but it reflects a broader strategy of maintaining roster flexibility.
El-Ahmad highlighted the challenges of acquiring players within MLS compared to the international market. "Sometimes it seems to be easier to go abroad and do deals than internally within MLS, because the price is more expensive because they know the league, because they have the green card or the domestic status," he explained.
Aspirations for League Growth and Competitiveness
MLS executives view the schedule change as an opportunity to elevate the league's global profile and competitive standards. Jacobs expressed optimism about MLS becoming an "aspirational league" that attracts prime-age talent rather than serving as a retirement destination for older players.
"We want to have players who are prime age, because athletically, they can do certain things and also where they fit the whole ecosystem of their potential market value," Jacobs said. "I do think the success of some of these guys do make it easier for people to look and say, well, it's not a retirement league. It's not a league for players who are 35 and up, on their last paycheck."
For Nashville, signing Espinoza as a designated player represents a commitment to competing for trophies while balancing financial considerations. The club offered the Argentine winger a contract that could extend through the 2029-30 season, demonstrating a willingness to invest in experienced talent alongside younger prospects.
As MLS prepares for its historic calendar shift, clubs continue to weigh the dual objectives of on-field success and financial sustainability. The transition promises to reshape the league's operational landscape while testing the strategic planning capabilities of front offices across the competition.
