MLS eyeing early March start for 2021 season

Major League Soccer President and Deputy Commissioner Mark Abbot told media on Friday that MLS is targeting early March for the start of the 2021 season.

Abbot pointed to March as the ideal start time due to the crowded international calendar next year. He also noted that the restrictions on having fans this season contributed heavily to financial losses this year. Here’s the quote from Abbot:

“Based on the crowded international calendar next year, we are targeting to start our season in early March as usual,” Abbott said. ”The restrictions on our ability to have fans in our stadiums this year contributed to very significant financial losses. Like all leagues, we are concerned about those restrictions continuing for a second year and are continually evaluating how to manage through the impact of the pandemic in 2021.”

This start date is in line with past years, with this year’s season starting on Feb. 29 before the suspension of the season two weeks in due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This season will end on Dec. 12, which is the scheduled date for the MLS Cup. You can read the press release here.