The MLS ‘sprint season’ explained: 14 games, playoffs, cup qualifiers and more

2027’s short season will precede full calendar switchFive Concacaf Champions Cup berths will be awardedNo inter-conference play until MLS CupThe typical cliche for a regular season is that it’s a marathon, not a sprint. In 2027, Major League Soccer will be the exception.On Thursday, MLS revealed how its short 2027 “sprint season” will be formatted as it nears flipping its schedule to a fall-to-spring format next year. The competition’s structure will be familiar in many ways, with the regular season table seeding a postseason bracket and culminating with MLS Cup. Lasting just under three months, it’ll proceed at a breakneck pace that could be an enthralling departure from the league’s usual flow. Continue reading...