MLS would benefit from fall-spring calendar in multiple ways

Major League Soccer (MLS) is reportedly considering making major changes to its calendar. The North American division currently runs from spring to fall each year. However, the league may soon opt to flip the annual schedule to begin in the fall and extend to spring.

The Athletic writer Paul Tenorio reports that league officials and club owners are discussing the potential alteration. While nothing is set in stone just yet, many MLS executives view the move as a way to better align with the top soccer leagues worldwide. Most top European divisions typically play their matches from August to May each season.

Along with having a similar schedule as top foreign leagues, MLS officials also see other major benefits to the move. Perhaps most importantly, the North American division would have the same transfer markets as prominent European leagues. This could help better position MLS as a global powerhouse.

MLS executive vice president of sporting product and competition Nelson Rodriguez, however, told The Athletic that it is “too soon” to truly determine if the change will occur. Nevertheless, there is hope around the league that the new schedule could be implemented after the 2026 World Cup.

Calendar change would likely boost MLS TV ratings

Potentially aligning with European leagues is certainly a major positive in the schedule change. Here in the United States, the move could also help MLS gain more traction in television viewership. At the moment, MLS playoffs have to compete nationally with the powerful NFL, college football and MLB postseason.

American football easily dominates broadcasting ratings as the most popular professional league in America. College football and MLB also regularly attract massive viewership figures as well. Along with these popular leagues, NBA and NHL seasons also begin during the fall months.

Flipping the calendar would place MLS playoffs in a less competitive timeframe. The argument in favor of the…

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Author : Chris Moore

Publish date : 2024-10-24 15:18:05

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