MLS plans playoff overhaul with double-elimination and 20 teams

MLS is set to shake up its postseason with a radical new format by 2028.

League

Major League Soccer

Planned changes

Double-elimination, 20 teams, five divisions

Start date

Late April 2028

MLS Cup date

21 May 2028

What happened. MLS is planning a major overhaul of its playoff format, potentially including double-elimination and 20 teams, debuting in 2028 alongside a fall-to-spring schedule shift.

New format resembles Australian rules football.
League will move from two conferences to five divisions.
Playoffs would run about three weeks starting late April.

The changes are part of a broader restructuring of MLS's regular season and schedule.

In this story

Major League Soccer

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