MLS SCHEDULE CHANGE
MLS SCHEDULE CHANGE

Major League Soccer announced a shift in its competition calendar, aligning its schedule with those of the world’s top soccer leagues. Beginning in the summer of 2027, MLS will adopt a summer-to-spring season format, marking one of the most significant developments in the league’s history.

2026-MLSScheduleComparison_16x9
MLS SPRINT SEASON
MLS SPRINT SEASON
  • The 2027 MLS Sprint Season is a 14-game regular season running from February to April 2027.
  • Teams will face each of their 14 conference opponents once — seven home, seven away.
  • The Audi 2027 MLS Cup Playoffs and 2027 MLS Cup presented by Audi will take place in May.
  • The top eight teams in each conference qualify for the Audi 2027 MLS Cup Playoffs.
  • The postseason is played in a single-elimination bracket format.
  • The Eastern Conference Champion and Western Conference Champion will meet in the 2027 MLS Cup.
  • The Sprint Season qualifies MLS teams for the 2028 Concacaf Champions Cup and 2028 Leagues Cup.
2027-28 MLS REGULAR-SEASON
2027-28 MLS REGULAR-SEASON
  • Beginning in the summer of 2027, MLS will adopt a summer-to-spring season format, aligning with the world's top leagues.
  • The calendar change will optimize global transfer market activity, giving MLS clubs more opportunities to acquire and sell top talent during the world's major transfer windows.
  • The calendar change will significantly reduce conflicts between MLS league matches and national team call-ups, particularly during summer tournaments.
  • Despite the calendar shift, 91% of matches will fall within the current MLS season window.
  • The 2027-2028 season kicks off in July 2027 with a 35-game schedule (17-18 matches at home), pauses mid-December through mid-February for winter break, and resumes from mid-February through May 2028.  The 2028 MLS Playoffs and Cup will take place in May 2028.
MORE DETAILS:
MORE DETAILS:
MLS to Align Calendar with Top Leagues Around the World

MLS to Align Calendar with Top Leagues Around the World

2027-2028 MLS Season to Begin in Late Summer, Culminate with Audi MLS Cup Playoffs in May

2027 MLS Sprint Season to Launch Major League Soccer’s Transition into New Era

2027 MLS Sprint Season to Launch Major League Soccer’s Transition into New Era

Fast-paced, high-stakes competition will see MLS teams compete in 14 intra-conference regular season games from February to April.

FAQs
FAQs

Why is Charlotte FC moving to a 2027 Sprint Season and 2027-28 Membership model?

  • The MLS is adopting a summer-to-spring season format, aligning with other global leagues.  The 2027 MLS Sprint Season consists of a 14-game regular season (with 7 home matches and 7 away matches) running February - May 2027.  The Audi 2027 MLS playoffs and Cup will take place in May 2027.  The 2027-2028 season kicks off in July 2027 with a 35-game schedule (17-18 matches at home), pauses mid-December through mid-February for winter break, and resumes from mid-February through May 2028.  The 2028 MLS Playoffs and Cup will take place in May 2028.

I'm a Season Ticket Member. What is included in my 2027-28 Season Ticket Membership? 

  • Your membership includes access to the 2027 Sprint Season (7 home matches) and the 2027-28 regular season (17 home CLTFC regular season matches + 1 additional Charlotte FC match held at Bank of America Stadium), along with Season Ticket Member benefits and priority access opportunities. Additional details will be shared during the renewal process.

Will my Season Ticket Member benefits continue in the Sprint Season?

  • Yes. Season Ticket Members will continue to receive benefits as part of their membership. Specific benefit details and any updates related to the new calendar format will be communicated during the renewal process and as we get closer to the 2027 Sprint Season.

HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?

Contact the ticket office or your designated rep for more details.

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