Early AM kickoffs will no longer be the sole domain of international leagues in other timezones.
As part of the MLS is Back Tournament, a World-Cup style event that kicks off in Orlando on July 8, there will be a total of seven matches that will kick off at 9 am ET / 6 am PT.
All seven matches, which primarily feature Eastern Conference teams, will be broadcast on ESPN and ESPN Deportes in the USA and on TSN in Canada.
- Thursday, July 9: NYCFC vs. Philadelphia Union (Group A)
- Sunday, July 12: Toronto FC vs. D.C. United (Group C)
- Tuesday, July 14: Inter Miami CF vs. Chicago Fire FC (Group A)
- Thursday, July 16: Atlanta United vs. FC Cincinnati (Group E)
- Monday, July 20: Orlando City SC vs. Nashville SC (Group A)
- Tuesday, July 21: Toronto FC vs. New England Revolution (Group C)
- Wednesday, July 22: Real Salt Lake vs. Sporting Kansas City (Group D)
Except for the July 9 match, the six other matches will fall on matchdays that will also feature two other matches played at night as part of a doubleheader.
With night matches scheduled for 8 pm ET and 10:30 pm ET, the morning slot allows for a third kickoff time at slightly cooler temperatures and with reduced storm threats compared to the afternoon hours.
The 9 am ET kickoff also means MLS matches will air at new hours in timezones across the world: 2 pm in London, 5 pm in Dubai, 6:30 pm in Mumbai and New Delhi, 8 pm in Bangkok, 9 pm in Manila and Shanghai, 10 pm in Seoul and 11 pm in Melbourne.
