MLS reportedly considering implementing Fall to Spring calendar by 2026 season

Major change could be in the works for the landscape of North American soccer, with MLS weighing a switch to a Fall to Spring calendar for the league, according to a report. Although discussions are still exploratory, there is a sense that a permanent move could be made in 2026 following the World Cup in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

A new setup would see the league align with many of the world's top divisions, and run on a similar timeline to European football. The league is in the process of holding meetings with sporting directors, chief business officers, owners and fans ahead of a potential switch.

Paul Tenorio of The Athletic first reported MLS's consideration of the potential switch.

MLS has long run on a schedule that clashes with many of the top European leagues - and has led to difficulty in the scope of the international game.

The league, for example, does not always pause for international windows, while a middle-of-the-season transfer window has led to problems with recruitment. MLS franchises' increased presence in the global transfer market is among the reasons for the consideration of a significant change, the report said.

MLS executive vice president of sporting product and competition Nelson Rodriguez offered some insight into the process in an interview with The Athletic: "We have been engaged, really, since January, and it’s been very extensive and exhaustive and deliberate. It’s still too early. We’re still asking questions. We’re still collecting and analyzing some data. We’re still formulating models. Some of those models are for formats themselves, some of those models are how to assess the information that we get."

For now, the league will run on its standard calendar, with play commencing in the spring and ending at the end of November. it seems, though, that major change is possible within two years.

The second MLS wildcard game, a matchup between the Portland Timbers and Vancouver Whitecaps, is set for tonight, while the playoffs in full begin this weekend.