When Does MLS Start And When Does It End?

You're probably curious about when the MLS season begins and ends. The 2025 season kicks off on February 22 and wraps up on October 18, marking Decision Day. It's a crucial time for teams aiming for playoff spots. But what happens after that? The playoff structure and MLS Cup details play a significant role in determining the season's ultimate champion, and there’s more to the story.

Overview of the 2025 MLS Season

The 2025 MLS season is scheduled to commence on February 22, featuring a total of 34 matches for each team. Teams will be organized into the Eastern Conference and Western Conference, with each team competing in six inter-conference matches.

Notable breaks will be implemented to accommodate significant international tournaments, such as the FIFA Club World Cup and the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

A key date to note is Decision Day, which will take place on October 18. On this day, all teams will compete in their final regular season match, a structure designed to influence playoff positioning effectively.

Following the conclusion of the regular season, the playoffs are set to begin on October 22, culminating in the MLS Cup, which is scheduled for December 6, 2025.

This format aims to enhance competitive balance and maintain engagement throughout the season.

Key Dates for the Regular Season

The 2025 MLS season is scheduled to commence on February 22. Each team will play a total of 34 matches throughout the season, which is slated to conclude on October 18, designated as Decision Day.

On this day, most teams will compete simultaneously, a format intended to heighten the competitive atmosphere as playoff positions are finalized. Matches in the Eastern Conference are set to start at 6 p.m. ET, while those in the Western Conference will begin at 9 p.m. ET.

Following Decision Day, the MLS playoffs will commence on October 22 and will include Wild Card matches. The culmination of the playoffs will occur with the MLS Cup, planned for December 6.

This timeline reflects a structured approach to the season, emphasizing both competition and scheduling for teams and fans alike.

Understanding Decision Day

As Decision Day approaches in the 2025 MLS season, it serves as the final matchday for all teams, scheduled for October 18, 2025. On this day, each team will complete their 34th match of the MLS regular season, which will be crucial for solidifying playoff positions and determining matchups for the postseason.

The schedule features Eastern Conference games beginning at 6 p.m. ET, followed by Western Conference matches at 9 p.m. ET. The only inter-conference fixture for the day will have New York City FC facing off against the Seattle Sounders.

With the majority of matches occurring simultaneously, the league maintains its competitive integrity, which is an important aspect of the MLS format.

As the season culminates, the outcomes of these matches will have significant implications regarding which teams advance to the playoffs, underscoring the importance of each game.

Analyzing performance metrics and standings leading up to this day will be essential for evaluating the playoff landscape and potential matchups.

MLS Playoff Structure and Schedule

Following Decision Day, attention turns to the MLS playoff structure, which is designed to create a competitive environment for qualifying teams. The regular season concludes on October 18, with the playoffs commencing on October 22.

The initial phase includes Wild Card matches featuring the No. 8 and No. 9 seeds from each conference. Subsequently, the first round consists of best-of-three series, allowing teams a certain level of opportunity to advance. Following this round, the playoffs shift to single-elimination matches, which heighten the intensity and stakes involved.

As teams strive to secure their place in the postseason, their ultimate objective remains the MLS Cup. The championship match is slated for December 6 and will be hosted by the team that holds the highest seed in the Supporters' Shield standings.

This structure not only encourages competitive integrity but also rewards consistent performance during the regular season. Overall, the playoff format aims to enhance the viewing experience while maintaining a focus on the teams' achievements throughout the season.

MLS Cup Timing and Host Details

The MLS Cup is scheduled for December 6, 2025.

The event will be hosted by the highest seed in the Supporters’ Shield standings, which contributes to a competitive environment for both teams and fans. This matchup is the culmination of a series of playoff rounds that each team must navigate in order to reach the final.

The format of a single match for the championship final ensures that the outcome will be determined in one decisive game.

Further details regarding the specific time and location of the event will be provided as the date approaches.

It's advisable for fans and stakeholders to stay informed to ensure attendance at this significant event in the soccer calendar.

Viewing Options for Fans

As the MLS Cup approaches, fans have several options to view the action throughout the season.

The MLS Season Pass on Apple TV provides extensive coverage, including live broadcasts and match replays for every MLS game during the regular season and playoffs.

Additionally, Fox Sports offers a selection of 34 matches, adding to the viewing choices available to fans.

In Canada, TSN and RDS hold exclusive rights to 41 matches, further enhancing accessibility to Major League Soccer for Canadian viewers.

It's important for fans to consider these options to ensure they don't miss any significant moments this season.

Historical Context of MLS Season Formats

Since its inception in 1996, Major League Soccer (MLS) has made several notable adjustments to its season format to better accommodate the preferences of players and fans.

The league commenced with a spring-to-fall schedule, operating from April to October during its inaugural season. In 2012, MLS transitioned to a winter-to-fall model, beginning the regular season in February and extending the playoffs into December. This shift has been part of the league's ongoing effort to align its schedule more closely with European leagues, which traditionally operate on a different calendar.

Currently, MLS comprises 30 teams, each participating in 34 matches. The season culminates in Decision Day, followed by the playoffs, which are conducted after the regular season concludes.

These adjustments reflect MLS's evolving approach to season planning and its intention to enhance the overall competitive experience within the league.

Future Considerations for the MLS Calendar

As Major League Soccer (MLS) evaluates its future, the transition to a fall/spring schedule is being considered for the 2027 season. This proposed adjustment aims to synchronize the MLS calendar with that of European soccer leagues.

However, this realignment introduces several scheduling complexities, particularly in June, when various international tournaments take place. Engagement with stakeholders is ongoing, emphasizing the necessity to balance global visibility with regional interests.

Additionally, weather conditions present significant challenges, particularly in northern cities where winter temperatures could adversely affect both fan attendance and player performance.

Overall, the MLS's consideration of these changes reflects a broader objective of enhancing the league's competitiveness and viewership while addressing practical implications that could impact its operations and fan engagement.

Balancing these diverse factors will be essential as the league contemplates this potential shift in its scheduling framework.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 2025 MLS season offers an exciting journey from February 22 to October 18, with thrilling matches leading up to Decision Day. You'll want to keep an eye on the playoffs starting October 22, ultimately culminating in the highly anticipated MLS Cup on December 6. As a fan, you can look forward to amazing soccer action and potential last-minute drama as teams vie for their spots. Get ready for a fantastic season ahead!