MLS to launch short 2027 season before major schedule shift

What they're saying: "This is where you get the best deals, the best bargains, the best players, free agents," Krneta told reporters earlier this month. The league's main transfer window has been in January and February, when many teams throughout the rest of the world aren't particularly interested in doing business.

Designated a "sprint season," MLS' regular season will run from February until April. Each team will play 14 intraconference regular season games, seven of which will be on the road and seven at home.

• The top eight teams from each conference will qualify for the playoffs. The shortened season wraps up with the 2027 MLS Cup in May.
• The 2027 season will also determine qualification for 2028 Concacaf Champions Cup and 2028 Leagues Cup.

What's next: The league's new summer-to-spring season calendar kicks off in July 2027 and culminates in the MLS Cup in May 2028. There will be a break from mid-December through early February.

What we're watching: The sprint season schedule will be revealed in the coming months.

Between the lines: The FIFA World Cup heads to the United States, Canada and Mexico this summer, giving MLS clubs and fans a taste of what it will be like to have an MLS summer break.

• "It's kind of giving us a taste of what is going to come with a change of the format," Krneta says.