Major League Soccer (MLS), the premier soccer competition in the US and Canada, is set to undergo significant changes from 2027. These alterations will not only affect the league's calendar but also its global broadcast partnership with Apple TV.
Starting from mid-2027, MLS will transition its schedule from a February-to-December calendar to a July-to-May format. This decision was approved by MLS team owners during a board of governors meeting held in Palm Beach, Florida on November 13.
The shift aligns MLS more closely with major European domestic competitions and the global FIFA soccer calendar. The new schedule will commence in July 2027, featuring a shortened regular-season campaign of 14 games plus post-season playoffs running from February through May that year. This arrangement aims to bridge the gap between the end of the 2026 season and commencement of this new format.
Winter break introduced for adverse weather conditions
To accommodate adverse weather conditions prevalent in northern states during winter months, an extensive winter break has been incorporated into this new schedule. The break includes limited fixtures scheduled for December and February while completely pausing all games throughout January.
However, it's important to note that these changes are still subject to agreement with MLSPA labor union before they can be fully implemented.
MLS commissioner, Don Garber, said:
“The calendar shift is one of the most important decisions in our history.
"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."
Apple TV drops 'Season Pass' paywall for MLS broadcasts
In addition to these scheduling changes, there have been significant developments regarding how fans can access live broadcasts of matches globally. As part of its ongoing partnership with Apple TV initiated back in 2023, MLS has decided to drop its 'Season Pass' paywall feature starting this week.
This means that AppleTV customers can now watch every game as part of their primary subscription without any additional costs incurred through Season Passes - marking a first since establishment where such passes have been completely abolished. The timing of this change coincides with Apple TV acquiring the rights to broadcast Formula 1 series from 2026 onwards. This addition supplements its existing portfolio, which also includes Major League Baseball.
For MLS, this move is expected to significantly increase its reach. Despite a surge in broadcast interest during the 2025 campaign, there is still work needed to maintain that trajectory over the remaining seven years of their $2.5 billion agreement. The goal is to ensure future rights deals don't fall short and set back league growth. This expansion of MLS' reach also bodes well for US and Canadian soccer as they prepare for the joint hosting of the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Mexico.
