The 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) schedule will be released on Wednesday, December 14th. The new schedule will feature a number of changes from the 2024 schedule, including the addition of two new expansion teams, St. Louis City FC and Vegas FC. The 2025 schedule will also see the return of the Leagues Cup, a tournament that pits MLS teams against Liga MX teams.
Here are some of the key dates to remember for the 2025 MLS schedule:
* **MLS SuperDraft:** December 21-22, 2024
* **MLS preseason:** February-March 2025
* **MLS regular season:** March-October 2025
* **MLS Cup Playoffs:** October-November 2025
* **MLS Cup:** December 6, 2025
The 2025 MLS schedule is sure to be exciting, with plenty of storylines to follow. Here are a few things to look for in the new schedule:
* The addition of two new expansion teams, St. Louis City FC and Vegas FC, will bring new rivalries and storylines to the league.
* The return of the Leagues Cup will give MLS teams a chance to compete against some of the best teams in Mexico.
* The 2025 MLS Cup will be held at a neutral site for the first time since 2012.
Expansion Teams and Their Impact on the Schedule
The addition of expansion teams in 2025 will significantly impact the MLS schedule. With two new clubs joining the league, the total number of teams will increase to 30, resulting in a more condensed and challenging schedule.
These expansions will have several important effects on the league’s structure and format:
| Impact | Details |
|---|---|
| Balanced Divisions | The league will be divided into two balanced divisions of 15 teams each, ensuring a fair distribution of games and travel demands. |
| Increased Regular Season Games | The number of regular season games will increase from 30 to 34, providing teams with more opportunities to qualify for the playoffs. |
| Expanded Playoff Structure | The expanded playoff structure will include 16 teams, ensuring a wider range of teams have a chance to compete for the MLS Cup. |
| Inter-Divisional Play | Teams will play a balanced schedule, with half of their games against opponents from their own division and half against opponents from the other division. |
| Scheduling Challenges | The increased number of teams and the addition of two time zones will pose scheduling challenges, particularly for teams facing long travel distances. |
Broadcast Rights and Their Influence on Game Times
MLS broadcasting rights play a crucial role in determining game times. Different networks and streaming platforms have varying preferences for time slots, which can influence the scheduling of matches.
Impact on Kick-Off Times
Broadcasters may prefer specific kick-off times to maximize viewership and advertising revenue. For example, primetime matches attract the largest audiences, leading to increased revenue for broadcasters and MLS. Thus, broadcasters often negotiate for primetime slots on weekends or weeknights.
Regional Considerations
Broadcast rights also consider the geographical distribution of MLS teams. Broadcasters may adjust game times to accommodate viewers in different time zones. For instance, matches involving teams in the Western United States may be scheduled earlier in the evening to cater to East Coast viewers.
Local Rivalries and Special Events
MLS also takes into account local rivalries and special events when scheduling games. High-profile matches between rivals or against international teams may be granted primetime slots to capitalize on the increased interest and excitement surrounding these fixtures.
Venue Availability
The availability of venues can also influence game times. MLS stadiums may have multiple bookings or scheduling conflicts with other events, which can limit the available time slots for matches.
Weather Considerations
Weather conditions can impact game times. In areas prone to inclement weather, matches may be rescheduled or delayed to ensure the safety of players and fans.
Fan Feedback
MLS also considers fan feedback when scheduling games. The league surveys fans to determine preferred game times and makes adjustments based on the results.
Example Broadcasting Schedule
| Network/Platform | Weekly Match Slots |
|---|---|
| Apple TV+ | Every Saturday (Primetime) |
| ESPN | 1 Sunday match (Afternoon/Primetime) |
| FOX | 1 Saturday match (Early) |
| Regional Sports Networks | Weeknight and weekend matches |
Stadium Schedule Conflicts and How They’re Resolved
Coordinating the schedules of multiple teams using the same stadium can be a challenging task, especially when those teams compete in different leagues or host other events.
MLS Stadium Use
MLS teams often share stadiums with other professional or college sports teams, as well as with major concert venues. This can lead to conflicts when multiple events are scheduled on the same day or during the same time period.
Scheduling Flexibility
To resolve these conflicts, MLS teams typically work with each other and with the stadium operator to find flexible scheduling solutions. This may involve adjusting the start times of games, scheduling doubleheaders, or even moving games to a different venue.
Stadium Availability
Another factor that can impact stadium scheduling is the availability of the stadium itself. Some stadiums are more heavily booked than others, which can make it difficult to find open dates for MLS games.
Stadium Capacity
The capacity of the stadium can also play a role in scheduling conflicts. Smaller stadiums may not be able to accommodate the large crowds that some MLS games draw, while larger stadiums may be underutilized for smaller events.
MLS Expansion
As MLS continues to expand, the number of scheduling conflicts will likely increase. New teams will need to find stadiums to play in, and those stadiums may already be booked by other teams or events.
Examples of Stadium Schedule Conflicts
Here are some examples of stadium schedule conflicts that have occurred in the past:
| Stadium | Conflict | Resolution |
|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Atlanta United FC vs. Atlanta Falcons | Games scheduled on the same day; Atlanta United FC game moved to a later start time |
| Toyota Stadium | FC Dallas vs. Dallas Cowboys | Doubleheader scheduled on the same day |
| Red Bull Arena | New York Red Bulls vs. New York Giants | Games scheduled on the same day; New York Red Bulls game moved to a different venue |
MLS Schedule 2025: A Comprehensive Overview
The Major League Soccer (MLS) schedule for 2025 is anticipated to be a thrilling and competitive season, with the league expanding to 30 teams and introducing new rivalries and matchups. The schedule will feature a balanced and diverse array of fixtures, providing fans with ample opportunities to witness the league’s top stars and rising talents.
The 2025 season will mark the first time MLS expands to 30 teams, with the addition of two expansion franchises: St. Louis City SC and Vegas FC. These new teams will add fresh perspectives and storylines to the league, while also creating new regional rivalries and fan bases.
The schedule will be designed to optimize player health, team performance, and fan engagement. With 30 teams in the league, each club will play a balanced home and away schedule, ensuring fairness and a level playing field. The regular season is expected to begin in March and conclude in October or November, with teams vying for a place in the MLS Cup Playoffs.
People Also Ask About MLS Schedule 2025
When will the MLS Schedule 2025 be released?
The official MLS Schedule 2025 is expected to be released in late 2024 or early 2025.
How many teams will participate in the MLS in 2025?
There will be 30 teams participating in the MLS in 2025, including two expansion franchises: St. Louis City SC and Vegas FC.
Will the MLS Playoffs format change in 2025?
No information has been released regarding potential changes to the MLS Playoffs format for 2025.
