What You Need to Know
Major League Soccer recently announced a transition to a new summer-to-spring competition calendar beginning in 2027. We know change can raise questions - so here's everything you need to know, straight from us to you.
What Changes in 2027
How is 2027 Structured Differently?
The 2027 calendar year is a transition year for the entire league. It consists of two distinct phases:
2027 Sprint Season – February-April
An abbreviated season running February through April, designed to bring the seasons into alignment for the future calendar footprint. The 2027 Sprint Season will feature a 14-game (7 home/7 away) regular season against Western Conference teams, playoffs, and MLS Cup. Those results will determine 2027 qualification for the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, Canadian Championship, Leagues Cup, and Concacaf Champions Cup.
2027-28 Season – Begins July 2027
The new full season footprint runs July 2027 through May 2028, which establishes the new standard summer-to-spring format going forward.
What Does the New Season Format for 2027-28 Look Like?
Starting with the 2027-28 season, MLS will operate on a summer-to-spring calendar (July 2027 to May 2028). The 2027-28 MLS regular season will begin in mid-to-late July 2027 and conclude with the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs and MLS Cup presented by Audi in late May 2028.
Like other major international leagues, MLS will observe a midwinter break from mid-December through early February, with no league matches scheduled in January.Â
What Happens To My Renewal and Membership Pricing?
Since the timing for the 2027 Sprint Season remains similar to past season start dates, we will launch Annual Membership renewals at our typical window later this summer. Annual Members will receive renewal information after the season restarts following the World Cup.
Your Membership Services Representative will be in touch with specifics well in advance of any renewal window. Pricing and Annual Membership formats are still under review.
The Bigger Picture
Why is MLS Making this Change?
This transition aligns MLS more closely with the global soccer calendar, making it easier to retain and attract top international talent, reducing conflicts with FIFA international windows, and positioning the league for long-term growth on the world stage.
The timing is deliberate. With the World Cup coming to North America in 2026 and the global spotlight on soccer in this region at an all-time high, this is the right moment to make the move.
The new calendar also delivers two meaningful benefits come playoff time: the postseason will run free from any FIFA international breaks and Fall weather across most MLS markets - including Portland - makes for far better conditions for high-stakes soccer than a November or December playoff push.
What Stays the Same No Matter What?
Annual Members will remain the foundation for the best supporter experience in MLS, and will continue to hold the best value available for the Timbers biggest supporters.
- Apple TV Subscription
- Annual Membership Exchange Program
- Annual Membership Gift
- Dedicated Member Services Representative
- Invitations to unique and exclusive Annual Membership experiences
- First right of refusal for all additional Timbers matches
- Presale access to Providence Park events
Still have questions? We’re here to help
We know a change this significant can surface a lot of questions — and not every detail has been finalized by the league just yet. Your Membership Services Representative is always available to walk through anything specific to your membership, listen to your feedback, and keep you in the loop as more information becomes available.
Additional details will be released by MLS over the coming months. This page will be updated as new information becomes available. Last updated March 2026.