MLS Schedule Change

 ⚽ Big Changes Are Coming to MLS — Here's What You Need to Know 

The way we experience Sporting KC soccer is about to get even more exciting. Major League Soccer is making a historic shift to a new season schedule — and it's a game-changer (literally). 

💠 Kansas City is the Soccer Capital of America™. This shift puts Sporting KC on the same stage as the world's best clubs — playing on a calendar that the rest of the world recognizes and follows.

📅 Sprint Season (2027 Spring Season)

Spring 2027 — A Short Sprint: Think of this as a bridge season. MLS will play a quick, action-packed 14-game sprint from February to May 2027. 

  • A short, 14-game season (7 at home) running from February to May 2027 
  • Serves as a transitional season, bridging the old and new schedule structures 
  • Transition season — designed to bridge the gap before the permanent new calendar launches. Games will still count toward playoff positioning and cup tournament spots.
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🆕 New Season Structure (Summer 2027 onward)

Summer 2027 & Beyond — The New Era Begins. This is where everything clicks into place. Starting with the 2027–2028 season, MLS moves to a permanent new calendar: 

  • ⚽ Regular season: July through May 
  • 🏆 Playoffs + MLS Cup: Wrapped up in May 
  • ❄️ Mandatory winter break: Mid-December through early February 
  • 🔁 Primary transfer window moves to the offseason (no mid-season disruptions)
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🙌 Why This Is Great News for Fans 

  • Your best players, on the pitch more often. The new calendar aligns with FIFA international windows, meaning fewer conflicts and fewer absences when it matters most.
  • World-class talent, coming to KC. MLS clubs can now recruit from the global transfer market during the offseason — not mid-season — making it easier to land top players.
  • Winter Break during the coldest months. With a mandatory winter break from mid-December through early February, the coldest months are now off the schedule. That means more nights where the only thing heating up is the match itself.
  • More meaningful soccer. Less schedule clutter. More focus. Every match in the new format carries real weight.
How does this affect Season Ticket Members?

How does this affect Season Ticket Members?

As a Season Ticket Member, you’ll continue to receive communication and personalized support throughout the transition to MLS’s new calendar format. We recognize this is a unique change, and our goal is to provide greater flexibility and options for our members during the process. Members will have the opportunity to choose the option that best fits their needs, including renewing for the Sprint Season on its own or bundling the Sprint Season with the full 2027–28 season package. Additional details on these options, payment plans, benefits, and other opportunities available to you will be shared well in advance of any renewal deadlines. Your Membership Services Representative will provide account-specific information and help guide you through the available options. If you have any questions in the meantime, please reach out to your Membership Services Representative or email us at clientservices@sportingkc.com.