Major League Soccer is planning a significant overhaul of its playoff system, potentially expanding the postseason to include up to 20 teams and incorporating a double-elimination component. These changes are anticipated to coincide with the league's transition to a summer-to-spring calendar, scheduled to begin with the 2027-28 season.
The proposed new format could see the playoffs commence in late April and conclude with the MLS Cup on May 21, 2028. While the league has not officially confirmed the specifics, reports indicate that the restructured playoffs would feature a play-in round for eight teams, with the four advancing clubs joining a 16-team main field. The top eight teams in the overall standings at the end of the regular season might participate in a double-elimination bracket, where the winners would secure direct berths into the quarterfinals.
Sources suggest that teams would be re-seeded after each round, a format drawing parallels to Australian rules football. This potential shift represents one of the most substantial alterations to the league's playoff structure in its history.
Major League Soccer has historically evolved its playoff format multiple times. The league acknowledged it is "continuing to evaluate potential adjustments to its postseason format as part of a broader review of the league’s shift to a new competition calendar," adding that "This process remains ongoing, and no determinations have been made at this time."
In addition to the playoff modifications, the league is also set to move away from its traditional Eastern and Western Conference alignment to a five-division setup as part of the calendar change. The aim is to select the 20 best clubs based on overall season performance to qualify for the expanded postseason.