NEW YORK -- Major League Soccer (MLS) has full intention of starting their upcoming season in early March. However, league officials are remaining nimble because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
MLS officials are planning for its franchise teams to play a full 2021 regular season while working on an international calendar. That calendar was much busier in 2020 due to events facing delays due to the pandemic.
On the basis of this crowded schedule in 2021, MLS President Mark Abbott states that they still intend to start their season in early March.
"The restrictions on our ability to have fans in our stadiums this year contributed to very significant financial losses," Abbott states. "Like all leagues, we are concerned about those restrictions continuing for a second year."
Abbott mentions that MLS continues to evaluate the management of the pandemic's impact in the new year. Currently, it is not known whether fans will be able to attend games in the 2021 season.
MLS takes a financial hit due to COVID-19
MLS, much like other professional sports leagues, would take a significant financial hit as a result of the virus. An estimate of $1 billion was given in relation to financial losses this year, according to commissioner Don Garber.
Prior to season play suspension on March 12, MLS teams had only played two games. Over the summer, the league would stage a tournament inside a bubble in Florida. However, due to positive COVID-19 tests, two teams were unable to participate.

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