In November 2025, Major League Soccer (MLS) announced a major calendar shift set to begin in 2027, aligning the league with the world’s top soccer competitions. The league will transition to a summer-to-spring format, with the regular season kicking off in July and including a winter break from mid-December through January. The season will then conclude with the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs and MLS Cup in May of the following year.
Alignment with FIFA Breaks
With the new calendar, conflicts between MLS matches and national team call-ups will be reduced, especially during summer tournaments. The shift in 2027 aligns with FIFA international match window, an important factor for San Diego FC, whose players are regularly called up to represent their national teams.
Weather Factor
The midwinter break from mid-December through early February will play a key role in shaping the final schedule in 2027 and beyond. MLS conducted extensive weather and logistics analyses, as well as ongoing conversations with the players’ union, Major League Soccer Players Association (MLSPA).
SDFC can benefit from favorable conditions, as the league intends to limit the number of home matches in northern markets from December to February. The Audi MLS Cup Playoffs and MLS Cup will be played in May 2028, offering optimal timing and playing conditions.
Not to mention, Clubs will be able to fully acclimate summer transfers before the MLS regular season kicks off. Players who are added to the SDFC roster will be able to easily adjust to the leagues season since they are accustomed to the schedule already.
Transitional Season
Ahead of the 2027 launch, MLS will implement a transitional season from February to May 2027. The fast-paced, high-stakes campaign will consist of 14 regular season matches, including seven matches at home and seven matches away. SDFC will face each of the 14 Western Conference opponents once. The regular season will conclude with the top eight teams in each conference qualifying for the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs.
In addition to the Sprint Season crowning an MLS Cup champion, it will also have international competition implications, helping determine whether SDFC qualifies for the 2028 Concacaf Champions Cup and 2028 Leagues Cup.
Sprint Schedule
The 2027 Sprint match schedule will be announced in the coming months. It will include each team’s home and away matchups. SDFC wrapped up their inaugural season last year and has yet to encounter certain Clubs at Snapdragon Stadium. Fans will have to wait and see who we will host here in San Diego.
Global Viewership
Fans around the world are now able to enjoy MLS action by subscribing to Apple TV. MLS has removed traditional local broadcast barriers, making it easier to watch clubs like San Diego FC from anywhere. From Denmark following Anders Dreyer to Finland supporting Onni Valakari, fans across the globe will be able to tune in.
