When does MLS 2025 start? Matches, dates, and key breaks in the new tournament

The 2025 MLS season will kick off on Saturday, February 22, with the exciting event known as MLS is Back, marking the start of a historic campaign for the league as it celebrates its 30th anniversary. This season will not only be a sports spectacle but also a tribute to three decades of growth and consolidation of soccer in the United States.

The 2025 season and San Diego FC’s debut

One of the most anticipated aspects of this season is the debut of MLS’s 30th franchise, San Diego FC, a team featuring Mexican star Hirving "Chucky" Lozano as its marquee signing. The club will make its official debut against the defending champions, LA Galaxy, on Sunday, February 23, at the Dignity Health Sports Park. This match will be part of the 510 regular season games, maintaining the format of 34 matches per team.

Additionally, the league has reduced the number of inter-conference matches, limiting them to six games per team, focusing instead on strengthening intra-conference rivalries.

Tributes to the inaugural 1996 season

To celebrate its three decades, MLS has planned special events throughout the season. On April 6, the San Jose Earthquakes will host DC United, recreating the first match in the league’s history. Later, on July 12, the finalists of the first MLS Cup, LA Galaxy and DC United, will face off again at the Dignity Health Sports Park.

Key dates and breaks

MLS 2025 will include two major breaks in its schedule:

• Club World Cup: June 15–24
• Gold Cup: June 14–July 6

Additionally, the Leagues Cup will continue as a prominent tournament, but this time it will be held midweek, from July 29 to August 31, to avoid interruptions to the regular season.

MLS All-Star Game and Rivalry Week

The MLS All-Star Game will take place on Wednesday, July 23, at the Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas. This event, along with the Skills Challenge scheduled for the previous day, promises to be one of the year’s most exciting moments.

Meanwhile, Rivalry Week will be celebrated from May 14 to 18, highlighting the league’s most historic and intense matchups, which are sure to capture the attention of soccer fans across the country.

Broadcasts and the future of MLS

MLS matches will be available through the MLS Season Pass, while FOX Sports will broadcast 34 matches, including 15 on FOX and 19 on FS1, all with Spanish-language coverage on FOX Deportes.

The regular season will conclude with Decision Day on October 18, when the final playoff spots will be determined. The MLS 2025 final will be the culmination of a year filled with action and new stories to tell.

What you need to know about MLS 2025

• When does MLS 2025 begin? Saturday, February 22, with the MLS is Back event.
• Which team will debut in the league? San Diego FC, facing LA Galaxy.
• Will there be breaks during the season? Yes, for the Club World Cup and the Gold Cup.
• When is the MLS All-Star Game? July 23 in Austin, Texas.
• Where can you watch the matches? On MLS Season Pass and FOX Sports.
• When is the MLS final? October 18, at the conclusion of Decision Day.