Major League Soccer (MLS) is considering a significant overhaul of its playoff format, including the introduction of a double-elimination component and a five-division setup, according to multiple league and club sources. The changes, which could debut in 2028 alongside the league’s transition to a fall-to-spring schedule, would mark one of the most dramatic structural shifts in MLS history.
The proposed format would resemble that of Australian rules football, ditching the current Eastern and Western Conference structure. The playoffs could feature as many as 20 teams, with matches starting in late April and culminating in MLS Cup on Sunday, May 21, 2028.
KEY FACTS
- MLS is planning a major playoff format overhaul, including a double-elimination component.
- The league will move to a five-division setup, replacing the current Eastern and Western Conferences.
- The changes could debut in 2028, aligning with the shift to a fall-to-spring schedule.
- Up to 20 teams could participate in the new playoff format.
- The playoffs would start in late April and conclude with MLS Cup on May 21, 2028.
What Would the New Format Look Like?
The proposed changes would introduce a double-elimination system, a rarity in soccer but common in other sports like Australian rules football. This means teams would have to lose twice before being knocked out of the playoffs, potentially increasing the chances for higher-seeded teams to advance. The league would also reseed teams, adding another layer of strategy to the postseason.
The shift to a five-division setup would replace the current two-conference model, potentially creating more balanced competition and reducing travel demands. However, the exact division alignments and scheduling details remain unclear.
How Did We Get Here?
MLS has been exploring ways to modernize its structure for years, with the 2028 timeline coinciding with the league’s planned transition to a fall-to-spring calendar. The move away from the traditional March-to-December schedule is part of a broader effort to align with global soccer norms and accommodate international competitions.
The proposed playoff changes reflect a growing trend in North American sports to experiment with postseason formats. Other leagues, like the NBA and NHL, have also tweaked their playoff structures in recent years to enhance competitiveness and viewer engagement.
WHAT WE KNOW — AND WHAT WE DON’T
Verified by the source:
- MLS is considering a double-elimination playoff format and a five-division structure.
- The changes could debut in 2028 alongside the fall-to-spring schedule shift.
- Up to 20 teams could participate in the playoffs.
- The playoffs would start in late April and end with MLS Cup on May 21, 2028.
Still unconfirmed:
- The exact rules for double-elimination and reseeding.
- How teams will be allocated to the five divisions.
- Whether the regular season format will also change.
- Official confirmation from MLS or its clubs.
WHY IT MATTERS
The proposed changes could significantly alter the dynamics of MLS competition, making the playoffs more unpredictable and engaging for fans. A double-elimination format could reduce the impact of single-game upsets, while the five-division setup might create new rivalries and reduce travel fatigue. The shift also underscores MLS’s ambition to innovate while aligning more closely with global soccer traditions.
WHAT TO WATCH
MLS has yet to officially confirm the reported changes, so further details and announcements from the league are expected in the coming months. The 2028 timeline gives the league ample time to refine the format and gather feedback from stakeholders.