Twenty teams battling it out in a potential double-elimination format: that’s the word from league and club sources confirming a massive MLS playoff overhaul is on the horizon. This isn’t just a tweak, it’s a game-changer set to debut in 2028 alongside a full shift to a fall-to-spring schedule.
Playoffs On Hyper-Drive
Imagine the intensity for our Sounders: up to 20 teams slugging it out, possibly with that brutal “double-elimination” component. The plan, viewed by The Guardian, shows playoffs kicking off in late April and wrapping up over roughly three weeks, with MLS Cup slated for Sunday, May 21, 2028. It’s a rapid-fire championship push, demanding peak performance from stars like Cristian Roldan and Jordan Morris right through to May!
Conferences OUT, Divisions IN!
But wait, there’s more! This playoff revamp comes hand-in-hand with another huge shift: MLS is ditching the old Eastern and Western Conference structure completely. Gone! In its place? A new, five-division setup, making every regular season match a division battle. Sources say the new format would resemble Australian rules football, too. This is a total reimagining of how MLS operates, from the first whistle to the MLS Cup final.
So, while 2028 feels far off, these are foundational changes coming to MLS. For Sounders fans in the Emerald City, this means a fresh slate, new pathways, and a championship run that will look completely different. Get ready!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Guardian.
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