Major League Soccer has extended its summer transfer window to align with major European leagues for the first time, with the deadline now set for September 2. The league announced official transfer window scheduling information Thursday, marking a significant shift in its operational calendar.

Last summer's window closed on August 21, while the 2024 window ended on August 14. Those earlier deadlines created numerous complications for MLS clubs in both acquiring and selling players.

FIFA approved a request allowing the league's three Canadian clubs—CF Montreal, Toronto FC, and Vancouver Whitecaps FC—to follow registration periods established by U.S. Soccer rather than Canada Soccer. Previously, the summer transfer window for Canadian MLS clubs closed slightly earlier than the 27 American franchises.

The winter transfer window opens on January 26 and closes March 26 this year. The summer window, following the 2026 World Cup, opens July 12 and closes September 2.

The winter window has been shortened to accommodate the extended summer period. A majority of sporting directors say a major advantage of the upcoming calendar shift is synchronizing transfer windows with Europe, with the first step being this year's aligned closing date before the full calendar changes in 2027.

Additional modifications include removing limits on cash trades, which previously restricted clubs to acquiring and trading away only two players annually using that method. There will also be no age restriction on intra-league loan deals moving forward.

MLS clubs can still sign free agents after the summer transfer window closes, up until the roster freeze on October 9. Clubs must achieve salary-cap compliance by February 20, with the regular season opening February 21.