Big Changes Are Coming to MLS — Here's What Rapids Fans Need to Know

The way we experience Colorado Rapids soccer is about to enter an exciting new era in Major League Soccer as the league prepares to make a historic shift to a new season schedule — and it's a change designed to better align MLS with the global game.

From the energy of matchdays at DICK'S Sporting Goods Park to the passion of the Rapids faithful across Colorado, this new calendar creates more opportunities for meaningful matches, stronger competition, and an even better experience for fans.

Sprint Season (Spring 2027)

To transition to the new calendar, MLS will play a condensed 14-match Sprint Season from February through May 2027.

During the Sprint Season:

• All teams will play 14 regular season matches (7 home, 7 away)
• The top 8 teams per conference qualify for a single-elimination playoff bracket
• Matches will count toward playoff positioning and qualification for league competitions, including Concacaf Champions Cup and Leagues Cup 
• An MLS Cup champion will be crowned at the end of the Sprint Season
• The Sprint Season serves as the bridge between the current MLS calendar and the league's new long-term schedule

The New MLS Season (Beginning Summer 2027)

Starting with the 2027–28 season, MLS will permanently transition to a global-style competition calendar.

Details of the new format include:

• 34 regular-season matches running from July through May (17 home, 17 away)
• MLS Cup Playoffs and MLS Cup concluding in May, crowning an MLS Cup champion
• A mandatory winter break from mid-December through early February
• The primary transfer window moving to the offseason, reducing roster changes during the heart of the season
• Regular-season results count toward qualification for the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs, Concacaf Champions Cup, and Leagues Cup

Big News for the Burgundy & Blue Faithful

The new schedule brings several benefits for the Rapids and supporters alike:

See more of the club's top talent.
By aligning with FIFA international windows, MLS clubs will experience fewer interruptions from international call-ups, helping keep the Rapids' best players on the field for more league matches.

A stronger connection to the global game.
With an offseason transfer window that matches many of the world's top leagues, clubs can build and maintain stronger rosters throughout the season.

A more comfortable matchday experience.
While we all love a good SnowClásico, the mandatory winter break avoids the coldest part of the year, helping create more enjoyable conditions for players and supporters while preserving the excitement of Colorado soccer.  The league will strategically organize the schedule to minimize the number of home games played in cold-weather markets such as Colorado, and also schedule more afternoon kickoff times in cold-weather months to avoid frigid nighttime matches. 

Every match carries even greater importance.
The new calendar creates a more focused schedule with meaningful competition throughout the season, making every point and every home match at DICK'S Sporting Goods Park even more valuable.

More League-Wide Matchups

Every MLS club will be guaranteed to host every club, including Inter Miami CF, at least once every two seasons, giving Rapids fans more opportunities to see stars from across the league at DICK'S Sporting Goods Park.

More Flexible Kickoff Times

MLS expects increased scheduling flexibility throughout the season, including earlier kick times throughout the season and more afternoon matches during the colder winter months.

A Familiar Home Schedule

While the calendar shifts, the distribution of Rapids home matches throughout the season is expected to remain relatively consistent, providing a balanced schedule across the year.