Major League Soccer prolongs transfer period to synchronize with European schedule.
The MLS summer transfer window, referred to as the secondary window, will extend into September for the 2026 season, continuing the league’s effort to align with the global soccer calendar.
“With the Secondary [transfer] Window extending into September for the first time in two decades [excluding the COVID-adjusted 2020 season], the end of the MLS window will coincide with leading leagues worldwide, providing MLS teams with enhanced opportunities to secure high-caliber international talent as they pursue the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs,” the league stated in a release on Thursday.
The Secondary Window will now take place from July 13 to September 2, while the primary window will commence on January 26 and conclude on March 26.
In 2025, MLS welcomed several prominent international players during the secondary window, including Son Heung-Min (LAFC), Rodrigo De Paul (Inter Miami CF), and Thomas Müller (Vancouver Whitecaps FC).
MLS registered a total of 10 designated players during the secondary window and added another 12 players through the U22 initiative.
This announcement follows November’s declaration that MLS would transition the regular season to a summer-to-spring format, starting in 2027. Unlike most international leagues, MLS currently operates from February to November.
However, challenges may arise regarding the summer-to-spring schedule adjustment, as ESPN’s Jeff Carlisle reported last week that the MLSPA [Major League Soccer Players Association] has not yet endorsed the calendar modification.
Deadlines for Roster Compliance (Friday, February 20) and Roster Freeze (Friday, October 9) for the 2026 season were also disclosed on Thursday, along with further changes such as the removal of restrictions on the number of Cash for Player Trades a club can execute each season, and the elimination of age limits and restrictions on the number of Intraleague Loans a club can undertake each season.
The MLS season is set to commence on Saturday, February 21, while some teams will return to play even sooner with the Concacaf Champions Cup beginning on February 3.
