MLS needs new calendar and format to be more respected outside the US | OneFootball

In recent days, Major League Soccer announced that it is making considerable progress in studies to evaluate a possible change in the competition format and adaptation of the season calendar to European soccer, with starts and finishes in the middle of the year. These changes are attracting worldwide attention just as the United States is set to host the 2026 World Cup.

These changes will certainly have a significantly positive impact if they are implemented, with strengthened transfer windows and a better internationally recognized league. What's more, this soccer project would finally be aligned with the top leagues in world soccer, which is a potential that has been sorely missed by leagues in South America.

Major League Soccer doesn't have to put obstacles in the way of changing the calendar

St. Louis CITY SC v Columbus Crew | Bill Barrett/ISI Photos/GettyImages

Some experts tend to disagree with the MLS adapting to the European calendar due to climatic conditions, because of the low temperatures in the United States at the start of the year, which can have an impact on the performance of clubs. However, it should be noted that many stadiums have roofs and temperature controls to ensure that players can perform their duties.

A good example of this is the success of the NFL, which manages to hold its games despite extreme cold and very heavy snowfalls, with lightning storms being the only impediment to holding games, guaranteeing the safety for players and the entire public present. Should it not be possible to hold some matches because of the freezing, the MLS could adopt the same idea as the Bundesliga, which adopts a “winter break” during the first few weeks of the year.

MLS needs to become independent and take inspiration from European leagues

LA Galaxy v New York Red Bulls: Final - MLS Cup 2024 | Shaun Clark/ISI Photos/GettyImages

Finally, the model of American sports (similar to the NBA) with two conferences playing a regular season and playoffs with a single-game final is no longer in line with the reality of soccer in the United States. Starting the MLS with this format has been positive in terms of introducing the public to soccer and causing greater interest in seeking space in front of other North American leagues.

However, soccer in the United States is advanced enough to go it alone without taking inspiration from the NBA, NFL, MLB, and NHL. Major League Soccer now needs to step up a level and look to other references: Premier League, LaLiga and Bundesliga are the biggest examples.