MLS Division Reallignment Set To Place Red Bulls in Northeast Division, Split from DC United

Part of the MLS calendar change in 2027 will also include a reallignment of the league's two conferences into five geographical divisions of six teams.

On Wednesday, Tom Bogert and Paul Tenorio of The Athletic confirmed the ongoing proposals and revealed that, in the most popular one, "D.C. United would separate from its Northeast rivals in New York and Philadelphia," according to multiple internal sources. Cali Classico would also be affected, as San Jose would be separated from its fellow Californian clubs in LAFC, LA Galaxy and San Diego FC.

The proposal also indicates that each team would go back to playing every other team in the league, which has not been done in the MLS regular season since 2019, before the league expanded to beyond 24 teams. This means that teams will play each team in their division twice (home and away) and will play all other teams once (varying home and away each season).

Red Bulls fans will still get to experience the historic rivalry with DC United, but only once a year starting in 2027, alternating the host each season.

It is unclear whether the division reallignment will be used for the 2027 sprint season or for the 2027-2028 full season. The league is also considering multiple proposals to alter its playoff format to conincide with the division changes.

The proposed divisions are as follows:

Northeast Division - CF Montreal, New England Revolution, New York City FC, Red Bull New York, Philadelphia Union, Toronto FC

Southeast Division - Atlanta United, Charlotte FC, DC United, Inter Miami, Nashville SC, Orlando City

Midwest Division - Chicago Fire, Columbus Crew, FC Cincinnati, Minnesota United, Sporting KC, St. Louis City

Northwest Division - Colorado Rapids, Real Salt Lake, Portland Timbers, San Jose Earthquakes, Seattle Sounders, Vancouver Whitecaps

Southwest Division - Austin FC, FC Dallas, Houston Dynamo, LAFC, LA Galaxy, San Diego FC