INDIANAPOLIS — The NCAA announced on Wednesday that starting in the 2027-28 season, the Division I men’s soccer season will transition to a split format, with the national tournament relocated to the spring.
The oversight committee for the sport approved this new legislation, which will undergo review by the Division I Cabinet in June.
– U.S. Soccer advocates for an extended NCAA season
Teams will have the opportunity to play 18 matches from late August until the Saturday before Thanksgiving, followed by up to 10 matches from mid-February leading up to the NCAA Tournament. Specific postseason dates will be announced at a later time.
No changes are currently planned for the women’s soccer season.
This new model was introduced by the oversight committee in January, emphasizing the well-being of student-athletes.
The committee explained that the fall-spring schedule aims to ease time constraints on athletes, providing a more well-rounded academic and athletic experience. This change could lead to fewer midweek games, resulting in less missed class time and more recovery between matches.
Currently, the Division I men’s soccer season is limited to a 10- to 13-week fall period, culminating in the College Cup in December.
“This represents a new era for college soccer,” stated Jamie Clark, head coach of the 2025 national champions, Washington, in a statement to The Associated Press. “We hope this updated calendar will generate positive momentum and excitement for our sport.”
“Under the existing model, we have successfully created an exciting product and prepared players for their futures both on and off the field. Now, we will need to make the most of this new format.”
Additionally, the committee revised the transfer window for the sport, consolidating it into a single 15-day period in the spring, following the College Cup. Previously, there were two transfer windows totaling 45 days.