MLS Decision Day to Open 2025 Playoffs on October 18

Major League Soccer (MLS) Decision Day will kickstart the excitement for the 2025 postseason, as announced by the league on Wednesday. The highly anticipated Decision Day is set for October 18, marking the conclusion of the regular season and setting the stage for an action-packed playoff run.

MLS Decision Day: The Start of Playoff Drama

MLS Decision Day is a pivotal moment for fans and teams alike, with all clubs playing their final regular-season matches simultaneously. The day is often filled with high stakes and dramatic finishes, as teams battle for remaining playoff spots and crucial seeding. With every goal and every result influencing the postseason bracket, Decision Day has become one of the league’s most exciting traditions.

2025 MLS Postseason Schedule Revealed

The league has confirmed an updated 2025 playoff structure, designed to maximize competition and excitement. Directly following Decision Day, the MLS Wild Card round will take place on October 22. This round will see the seventh and eighth seeds in each conference face off for a spot in the first round of the playoffs, ensuring that fans are treated to knockout action right from the start.

The intensity will continue to build as teams advance through subsequent rounds, with the postseason schedule tightly packed over the following weeks. The culmination of the playoffs will be the MLS Cup, which is set for December 6. This grand finale promises to deliver a thrilling spectacle as the league’s top two teams battle for championship glory.

Every Match Streamed Live on Apple TV+

For fans eager to catch every moment, MLS has partnered with Apple TV+ to stream every postseason match live through the MLS Season Pass. This partnership brings unprecedented accessibility, allowing supporters across the globe to follow their favorite teams and players as the playoffs unfold. Fans can subscribe to the MLS Season Pass now to ensure they don’t miss any of the action.

New Playoff Format Aims to Heighten Competition

The 2025 MLS postseason format builds on the league’s commitment to delivering competitive balance and entertainment. The inclusion of the Wild Card round, along with a tightly scheduled playoff calendar, keeps the stakes high and rewards consistent performance throughout the regular season. Clubs will have every incentive to finish as high as possible in the standings, with home-field advantage and playoff qualification on the line right up until Decision Day.

Key Dates for the 2025 MLS Postseason

• October 18: Decision Day – final round of regular season matches
• October 22: Wild Card round begins
• Early November: First round and conference semifinals
• Late November: Conference finals
• December 6: MLS Cup championship match

Growing Global Audience for MLS Playoffs

As the league continues to attract stars from around the world and invest in youth development, MLS Decision Day and the playoffs are becoming global events. International viewers, as well as local supporters, can tune in via MLS Season Pass, making it easier than ever to follow the journey to the MLS Cup. The enhanced format and broadcast options reflect the league’s ambition to be at the forefront of football entertainment.

What This Means for Players and Fans

The pressure of Decision Day and the new playoff structure will test teams’ depth, resilience, and tactical acumen. For players, every match carries extra significance, especially given the quick turnaround between the end of the regular season and the start of the playoffs. For fans, the condensed postseason promises relentless excitement and drama, ensuring there’s never a dull moment on the road to the MLS Cup.

MLS Decision Day: The Heartbeat of the Season

MLS Decision Day stands out as a unique celebration of football, embodying the unpredictability and passion that defines the league. With so much riding on a single day, it’s a perfect showcase for the league’s growth and the competitive spirit of its clubs.

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Opinion: A Welcome Boost for MLS Excitement

The expanded and clearly defined postseason structure, anchored by the drama of MLS Decision Day, is a major win for both fans and the league. With every game mattering down the stretch and enhanced streaming options, MLS is poised to capture even more attention domestically and globally. The 2025 playoffs promise to be a thrilling ride for everyone invested in North American soccer.