When Does the MLS Season Start? Major League Soccer (MLS) continues to grow in popularity across North America, drawing millions of fans to stadiums and screens every season. As excitement builds each year, one question consistently tops the search charts: When does the MLS season start? The MLS season structure, timeline, and major events influence everything from club training schedules to player transfers and fan expectations. Understanding the MLS calendar isn’t just for die-hard supporters—it matters for fantasy league players, bettors, journalists, and casual viewers alike.
Typically, the regular MLS season begins in late February or early March and continues through October, followed by playoffs that run into November and sometimes December, depending on international breaks and scheduling conflicts. With 29 teams as of 2025, including new expansion clubs, MLS now operates on a tight but packed schedule.
In this article, we’ll explore when the MLS season starts, why that timeline exists, how it aligns with global football, and what to expect in 2025. Whether you’re a supporter gearing up for your team’s first match or a new fan seeking clarity on the schedule, this guide offers everything you need to stay ahead of kickoff.
When Does the MLS Season Start?
The MLS season typically starts in late February or early March. In 2025, the expected kickoff is around February 22, though this date may shift slightly based on weather and league adjustments. The season runs through October, with playoffs extending into November. Preseason begins in January, giving clubs time to prepare for the intense regular season grind.
Why Does the MLS Season Start in February or March?
The decision to begin the MLS season in February or March is based on a combination of practical needs and strategic planning. Weather plays a major role—since much of the United States and Canada experiences harsh winters, starting the season too early would pose challenges for both players and fans, especially in northern cities. Late February and early March generally offer more manageable conditions, making it a logical time to launch the season.
Another important factor is competition within the sports calendar. By starting shortly after the Super Bowl and before Major League Baseball begins, MLS can capture more attention during a relatively quiet period in North American sports. This positioning helps attract viewers, media coverage, and ticket sales without clashing with dominant leagues like the NFL or college football.
Additionally, this schedule syncs better with international soccer structures, including transfer windows and the CONCACAF Champions Cup. It also allows clubs to begin preseason in January, giving players time to build fitness and integrate new signings. As the league has expanded into warmer markets and stadiums have improved infrastructure, an earlier start has become more practical. Ultimately, the February–March kickoff balances fan engagement, weather, and global alignment.
What Is the MLS Season Format and Timeline?
Preseason Training and Camps
The MLS season unofficially begins in early January with preseason training. During this phase, teams report to training camps where players undergo fitness testing, tactical drills, and friendly matches. This period is essential for building team chemistry, integrating new signings, and getting players match-ready after the offseason break. Most teams travel to warmer locations such as Arizona or Florida, for preseason preparations.
Regular Season Kickoff
The official MLS regular season typically kicks off in late February or early March. Each of the participating teams plays a total of 34 matches—17 at home and 17 away. These fixtures are strategically spread out across the calendar, offering fans weekly matchups through the spring, summer, and early fall. The regular season is a critical time for teams to accumulate points and secure playoff positions.
All-Star Game Midseason
In July, Major League Soccer holds its annual All-Star Game. This event brings together the league’s top-performing players to compete against an international club or all-star squad. It serves as a midseason celebration and marketing highlight, often accompanied by fan festivals, skills challenges, and community events.
Decision Day
The final day of the regular season, known as Decision Day, takes place in early October. All teams compete simultaneously, creating dramatic, playoff-defining moments. Final standings are confirmed based on these results, which determine seeding for the postseason.
MLS Cup Playoffs and Final
The playoffs begin shortly after Decision Day, typically in mid-to-late October. The postseason follows a knockout format and culminates with the MLS Cup Final in early to mid-November, where the league crowns its champion.
Events That Shape the MLS Calendar
The MLS season is influenced by more than just weekly matchdays. A variety of key events and competitions shape the pace and priorities of each club’s calendar. These events not only affect scheduling but also impact player availability, team strategies, and fan engagement throughout the year:
- MLS SuperDraft (January): Held at the start of the year, the SuperDraft introduces college talent into the professional ranks. Teams use this opportunity to strengthen their rosters with young, promising players, often adding depth before preseason camps begin.
- Transfer Windows (Winter and Summer): MLS clubs participate in the international transfer market during two main periods: winter and summer. These windows allow teams to buy, sell, or loan players, significantly impacting midseason dynamics and performance levels.
- Leagues Cup (Summer): This annual tournament pits top MLS teams against clubs from Mexico’s Liga MX. It has become a highlight of the summer schedule but also adds to fixture congestion and player fatigue.
- FIFA International Breaks: Several times a year, the league pauses to allow international players to join their national teams. These breaks are crucial for global competitions like World Cup qualifiers and regional tournaments.
- CONCACAF Champions Cup: Top-performing MLS teams compete in this regional tournament, requiring careful schedule adjustments to manage both domestic and international obligations.
- MLS All-Star Week: More than just a match, All-Star Week features fan festivals, concerts, skills competitions, and charitable events, serving as a major promotional event for the league.
How Weather and Geography Influence the MLS Start Date
MLS is unique in dealing with a vast geographical range and varying climates. Frigid February conditions in places like Minnesota, Toronto, or New England make early matches challenging. Conversely, warmer markets such as Miami, Los Angeles, and Austin can accommodate earlier starts comfortably.
Stadium infrastructure also plays a role. Teams with domed or heated-pitch stadiums have more flexibility in hosting early-season games. Additionally, scheduling often favors warmer-climate teams hosting matches early on, minimizing weather disruptions. MLS takes great care in balancing regional fairness with logistical reality when releasing its schedule.
When Does the MLS Season Start for 2025: Full Breakdown
Understanding the MLS 2025 season schedule helps fans and teams plan for another exciting year. Here’s a full breakdown of what to expect for the upcoming season:
- Expected Start Date: The 2025 MLS season is expected to begin around February 22, continuing the league’s recent trend of early-season kickoffs. This projected start allows for a longer calendar, minimizes weather disruptions in colder cities, and better aligns with international competitions and transfer windows.
- Expansion Clubs and Scheduling: With the league continuing to grow, new expansion teams are set to increase both the number of matches and scheduling complexity. Additional teams mean more fixtures to accommodate, requiring careful planning to ensure fair distribution of home and away games, especially when juggling midweek matches and tournament commitments.
- Breaks in the Season: Throughout the 2025 season, MLS will observe scheduled pauses for FIFA international breaks, Leagues Cup matches, and the MLS All-Star Game. These breaks are essential for player welfare and international obligations, though they can cause fixture congestion before and after each pause.
- Anticipated End Date: The regular season is projected to conclude in early October, followed by the MLS Cup Playoffs, which will run through mid-November. The MLS Cup Final is typically held before Thanksgiving, ensuring it doesn’t overlap with major U.S. holidays or winter weather.
Conclusion
The answer to “when does the MLS season start?” is more than a calendar date—it’s a reflection of strategy, climate, tradition, and competition. With its unique place in North American sports, MLS sets its season to align with market opportunity and international considerations. For 2025, the expected start in late February keeps with this trend, kicking off what promises to be another thrilling year of soccer.
Whether you’re a dedicated fan, a new supporter, or a fantasy league competitor, understanding the MLS season timeline keeps you informed and ready for kickoff.
FAQ’s
Q. When does the MLS season start in 2025?
A. It is expected to start around February 22, 2025, though official dates will be confirmed by the league.
Q. How long is the MLS regular season?
A. The regular season usually runs from late February/early March through early October.
Q. How many games are in the MLS season?
A. Each team plays 34 regular-season matches.
Q. When do the MLS playoffs take place?
A. Playoffs typically begin in mid-to-late October and end with the MLS Cup Final in November.
Q. Why doesn’t MLS follow the European season schedule?
A. Because of North American climate differences and competition with other major sports like the NFL and NBA.
