The upcoming MLS 2027 season raises a pivotal question: how will the league’s new format and potential star signings impact its growth? The answer is clear: the league is set to implement a February-to-May campaign, introducing a fresh structure aimed at enhancing competitiveness and fan engagement.
According to league officials, the “MLS Sprint Season” will see all 30 teams play 14 regular-season matches from February to April. This new approach is designed to create a more dynamic and exciting experience for fans and players alike.
The top eight teams from both the Eastern and Western conferences will qualify for the MLS Cup playoffs, culminating in the MLS Cup final scheduled for May 2027. This format not only intensifies the competition but also serves as a pathway for teams to qualify for the 2028 CONCACAF Champions Cup and 2028 Leagues Cup.
As the league transitions to this new schedule, it will also incorporate a mid-winter break during the 2027-28 season, lasting from mid-December to early February. This break aims to provide players with necessary rest while maintaining the league’s competitive edge.
In addition to structural changes, the league is buzzing with the potential signing of French football star Antoine Griezmann by Orlando City. Reports indicate that Griezmann, who has scored 44 goals for the French national team and won the 2018 FIFA World Cup, is likely to make the move to MLS.
Griezmann has been linked to Orlando City for several weeks, and sources suggest he intends to play in MLS, citing his admiration for American sports. Despite the primary transfer window being closed, Griezmann is eager to finalize the deal.
His presence in the league would significantly elevate its profile, with analysts noting that “Griezmann being present would immediately make him amongst the best players” in MLS.
As the current February to December 2026 season approaches its conclusion, culminating in the MLS Cup final on December 18, the league is poised for an exciting transition. The next steps will clarify Griezmann’s potential signing and how the new season format will be received by fans and players alike.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact timeline of Griezmann’s move and the full implications of the new season structure, but the anticipation is palpable as MLS prepares for a transformative year ahead.
