By Simon Evans

Major League Soccer stands at a pivotal moment, with the momentum of the 2026 World Cup, the league has a unique opportunity to reimagine its competition structure for the next era. The proposal to switch to a fall/spring season, being discussed by the league's Board of Governors, offers the unique chance to make more radical changes to the league's competition format.

One option that is reported to have been discussed is for 'NFL style' divisions rather than the current basic division between the Eastern Conference and Western Conference. No details have emerged on what this proposal looks like, but we decided to do some thinking ourselves and imagine how such a structure would work.

As with any plan, there are pros and cons and no doubt some flaws in this idea. Consider this simply as a conversation starter — feel free to pick holes, make amendments and comment with your own ideas.

Summary:

We decided for this thought experiment that the NFL style divisional format could be combined with an idea that has been tested in Liga MX and some South American leagues — the 'Apertura' and 'Clausura' — two stand-alone championships in each season, which results in two playoffs per season and two championship games. To crown the season champion, the winners of the two campaigns would meet in an MLS Super Cup.

This would address one of the central criticisms of MLS — that the long 34 game regular season, with a large playoff field (currently 18 out of 30 teams qualify), creates too many games without critical importance, especially in the early and middle parts of the season.

This proposal introduces a dynamic, fan-focused format inspired by the best of North American and global soccer: two distinct tournaments per year (Fall Series and Spring Series), a streamlined regular season, expanded playoffs, and a climactic MLS Super Cup. This structure is designed to maximize rivalries, increase the number of meaningful games, and create new commercial and competitive opportunities for every club.

1. League Structure

A. Conferences and Divisions

MLS would be organized into two conferences, each with three geographically-based divisions of five teams. This structure is designed to foster local rivalries, reduce travel, and ensure balanced competition. Any divisional breakdown with a geographic element is bound to produce some anomalies and no doubt there are adjustments that could be made. But a possible divisional set-up could look something like this:

Eastern Conference

Northeast Division: New England Revolution, New York City FC, New York Red Bulls, Philadelphia Union, CF Montréal

Southeast Division: Atlanta United, Charlotte FC, Inter Miami CF, Orlando City SC, D.C. United

Central Division: Columbus Crew, FC Cincinnati, Chicago Fire, Toronto FC, Nashville SC

Western Conference

Northwest Division: Seattle Sounders, Portland Timbers, Vancouver Whitecaps, Minnesota United, Real Salt Lake

Southwest Division: LA Galaxy, Los Angeles FC, San Jose Earthquakes, Colorado Rapids, San Diego FC

Central West Division: Sporting Kansas City, Houston Dynamo, FC Dallas, St. Louis City SC, Austin FC

2. Season Format

A. Two Tournaments Per Year

Fall Series: August – December Spring Series: January – May

Each series is a standalone competition, with its own regular season and playoffs, culminating in a series champion.

B. Regular Season Schedule

14 games per series (28 regular season games per year)

Divisional Opponents: 2 games each (home and away) × 4 = 8 games Other Divisions (same conference): 1 game each × 6 = 6 games Home/Away Balance: Each team plays every divisional rival home and away, and rotates home/away for cross-division games each series.

The reduced size of the regular season will create space for cup competitions (US Open Cup, Leagues Cup and Concacaf Champions Cup) while addressing concerns of congestion.

3. Playoff Structure

Six teams from each conference qualify for the playoffs in both the Fall and Spring Series.

Top two division winners in each conference receive the top seeds. Next four best records (regardless of division) fill out the playoff field.

Playoff Format:

• First Round: #3 vs #6 and #4 vs #5 (single elimination, higher seed hosts)

• Semifinals: #1 and #2 seeds enter, facing first round winners (single elimination, higher seed hosts)

• Conference Final: Semifinal winners play for a spot in the Series Final (single elimination, higher seed hosts)

• Series Final: Eastern vs Western Conference Champions (single match, neutral or higher seed hosts)

Each Series crowns its own champion: Fall Champion and Spring Champion.

4. MLS Super Cup

The season concludes with the MLS Super Cup: The Fall Champion and Spring Champion face off in a single, high-profile match to determine the overall MLS champion for the year.

Venue: Hosted by the team with the better combined regular season record across both series, or at a neutral site for maximum spectacle.

5. Benefits of the System

A. More Meaningful Games, More Often

Every match in both series has playoff implications, keeping fans engaged throughout the year. Two playoff tournaments and two championship races mean more high-stakes moments for every club.

B. Maximized Rivalries and Local Engagement

Divisional structure guarantees home-and-away derbies every series, fueling local passion and boosting attendance. Geographic divisions reduce travel, improving player welfare and club logistics.

C. Commercial and Broadcast Growth

More playoff games and two championship races create additional premium inventory for broadcasters and sponsors. The MLS Super Cup becomes a marquee event, driving national and international attention.

D. Flexibility for Additional Competitions

The reduced regular season (28 games) opens up windows for:

• US Open Cup: Clubs can field stronger lineups and pursue domestic cup glory.

• Leagues Cup: More space for North American cross-league competition, enhancing international exposure and revenue.

E. Competitive Balance and Opportunity

Two series per year allow clubs to reset and compete for silverware twice, keeping hope alive for more fanbases. Six playoff spots per conference ensure that more teams remain in contention deep into each series.

F. Alignment with Global and North American Best Practices

The split-season format draws on the success of Liga MX and South American leagues, while the divisional/conference model is familiar to North American fans from the NFL and NHL. US-friendly naming and structure make the league more accessible and marketable.

6. Why Now? Why This Will Be a Game-Changer

Post-2026 World Cup, soccer interest in North America will be at an all-time high. This structure positions MLS to capture new fans, maximize media exposure, and drive commercial growth.

Clubs benefit from more meaningful home games, increased playoff participation, and new revenue streams. Fans get more rivalry games, more playoff drama, and a true season-ending spectacle. Broadcasters and sponsors gain more high-value content and tentpole events.

7. Summary Table

8. Conclusion

This proposal offers a bold, modern vision for MLS:

• Two thrilling championship races per year.

• A climactic MLS Super Cup.

• A structure that maximizes rivalries, commercial value, and competitive opportunity.

• A schedule that supports successful Cup competitions.

Elevator Pitch: If MLS is going to change its season to fall in line with Europe and large parts of the international game, that doesn't mean it has to follow the traditional structure of such seasons. The American fan loves playoffs. Fans everywhere are becoming more selective — they are looking at the crowded soccer schedules and looking for games that matter. By doubling the playoffs each year, MLS would increase the games that matter across the entire year, increase the significance of each regular season game, and create more 'must watch' touchpoints throughout the season. Not only would MLS be unique among soccer competitions globally, but it would also differentiate itself from the other major sports leagues in North America — in a way which connects closely with the desires of the modern fan and the contemporary media's demands.