Double-elimination, reseeding and 20 teams: MLS plans overhaul of playoffs
Format would resemble that of Australian rules footballLeague will ditch conferences for five-division setupMajor League Soccer is planning a significant overhaul of its playoff format, multiple league and club sources told the Guardian this week. The changes, which would debut in 2028 alongside the league’s shift to a fall-to-spring schedule, could include a “double-elimination” component and see as many as 20 teams feature.
Reported by 1 outlet — The Guardian US. See all sources ↓
Format would resemble that of Australian rules footballLeague will ditch conferences for five-division setupMajor League Soccer is planning a significant overhaul of its playoff format, multiple league and club sources told the Guardian this week. The changes, which would debut in 2028 alongside the league’s shift to a fall-to-spring schedule, could include a “double-elimination” component and see as many as 20 teams feature. Sources spoke on the condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to discuss the league’s plans.The Guardian has viewed a potential schedule for the new format, in which the playoffs start in late April and unfold over roughly three weeks with MLS Cup being played on Sunday 21 May 2028. The changes to the playoff format would pair with long-reported changes to MLS’s regular season, with the league going to a five-division setup in place of its current Eastern and Western Conference structure.
Read the full report at The Guardian US ↗
Why it matters
A world story we're tracking; its significance and source trust firm up as more outlets confirm it.
- What's the story?
- Format would resemble that of Australian rules footballLeague will ditch conferences for five-division setupMajor League Soccer is planning a significant overhaul of its playoff format, multiple league and club sources told the Guardian this week. The changes, which would debut in 2028 alongside the league’s shift to a fall-to-spring schedule, could include a “double-elimination” component and see as many as 20 teams feature.
- How widely is it covered?
- 1 outlet, average source rating 8.0/10.
- When was it last updated?
- 13m ago.
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Double-elimination, reseeding and 20 teams: MLS plans overhaul of playoffs
Sources1TypeCoverageThe Guardian US