News: MLS owners approve fall-spring calendar and season format changes: Sources

Before Minnesota and St. Louis joined MLS, the Fire (when they had decent teams) had good traveling support for games in Columbus and Kansas City.

 

Yeah, I remember going to games in Arrowhead with announced crowds of 7-8k that couldn’t have been more than half that, but when both teams were competitive it was a good rivalry. Columbus is what amounts to our closest rival now, they just don’t meet the qualifier of being in our time zone, and their rivalry with Cincy is likely to be a higher priority for the realignment. Maybe the six teams in our division are CHI, CLB, CIN, KC, MIN, and STL, that would be great.

 

So no expansion then?

 

In time for the first new schedule season in 27-28? Were you expecting that?

 

No, but the way it is worded would take technically at least three seasons counting the shortened season. Did I think they might expand by 28/29, yes because I have a feeling it might be to counter USL D1 competition by stealing some markets.

 

USL have not announce any D1 team yet, I don’t think it will happen by 2028 if it happens.

 

Well, you know, MLS rules are written in sand. They can change anytime.

 

I agree but that was the date they set.

 

There are 4 named on Wikipedia. They all look pretty tentative.

Pittsburgh "we'll say not if, but when"
Louisville City "formally applied"
Jacksonville "fully support the vision"
North Carolina "soccer club's future depends on Raleigh stadium"

 

I think that date is unrealistic right now

 

But if USL creates the league with mostly the best Championship teams, the USL Championship would be like league one level.

 

Shhh!

 

Did USL ever sort out what the players were demanding?

 

Yes, as of May 1st.

 

They did roll out Super league in less than 12 months. It's even still operating. Both were surprises to me so I wouldn't bet that they couldn't put something together on time.

 

Unfortunately it's not really that Super. Surely they can learn from that.

 

Oh, a great day for labor rights.

 

Just sayin........

SUMMER SNOW! ❄️🥶 A Winter Storm Warning is now in effect this weekend into Monday for parts of Montana and Idado. As much as 8 - 16" of snow will be possible in the higher elevations. If you're looking for a break from the heat, that's the place to visit! pic.twitter.com/to9x7xteZr

— Matt Devitt (@MattDevittWX) June 26, 2026

 

Move Yellowstone?

 

pic.twitter.com/sALifJEHje

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) June 29, 2026

Playoffs go back to one and done for the sprint season and only 16 teams qualify. I myself prefer this system more than the current one.

 

Chicago V St. Louis in Springfield, IL
St. Louis V Kansas City in Springfield, MO
Chicago V Columbus in Sprin.. okay, Indianapolis, IN

I could get behind this idea. Although I guess Chicago and St. Louis won’t play in the Sprint season :/

 

Giving up a home game in a seven game home season is a tough sell. Maybe it would be a good way to start the 27-28 season?

 

Are there enough traveling fans to fill up stadiums? Miami probably will because of Messi and the LAFC vs LA Galaxy game too if done somewhere else in LA. Not sure everyone else would if it isn't in their stadiums.