Leagues Cup to undergo schedule change in expected revamped format in 2025

Leagues Cup will hold its games midweek next year, marking a significant change to the competition's format, Liga MX president Mikel Arriola said Sunday.

Previously, the competition brought about month-long pauses in the Liga MX and MLS calendar - with Mexican sides holding camps in the U.S. - but that is now set to change in 2025. The often disruptive schedule was met with heavy criticism from MLS and Liga MX teams alike following the conclusion of the 2024 slate.

There was significant discussion as to what might happen with the competition with the Club World Cup and Gold Cup both set for next summer. It was reported on Dec. 6 that the competition will be held again in 2025 - albeit with an altered format. MLS commissioner Don Garber has also voiced his support for the continuation of the tournament, despite potential scheduling issue.

Arriola said that Liga MX had agreed a deal for a new format: "We just approved the new Leagues Cup format. We're no longer going to hold camps there [in the USA]. We'll play midweek so Mexican teams don't struggle, and Liga MX games will be played on the weekends."

MLS has not officially commented.

Other details are sparse. There is still no information about an exact timeline, or which 18 MLS clubs will join the competition. There remains the issue, too, of how midweek games might fit around the other obligations of 2025's packed schedule. Columbus Crew are the reigning Leagues Cup champions.