Timbers prep for MLS sprint season shift

What they're saying: "The change should only affect about 10% of our games and moves playoffs to a more optimal time of the year," Paulson said when the change was announced last year, per KGW.

• "It will also allow us synchronize better with the global player transfer market."

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 the 2028 Concacaf Champions Cup and 2028 Leagues Cup.

The latest: The Timbers still have their current season to get through.

• After their first draw of the season — a 1-1 match with the LA Galaxy on Sunday where they were down a player for 70 minutes — Portland is 1-1-3 through five games and is 14th in the Western Conference.
• The season is still young, however, and they'll be back on the pitch April 4 to take on the Vancouver Whitecaps.

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.