The season will culminate with the MLS NEXT All-Star Game presented by Allstate in Charlotte, North Carolina, during MLS All-Star Week, showcasing 44 of the season's top players.

The league's structure includes qualification for the finals through league play, with teams from the MLS NEXT Academy Division, providing a platform for emerging talent on a global stage.

The MLS NEXT Cup, the season's championship event, is scheduled for May 23-31, 2026, at the Regional Athletics Complex in Salt Lake City, Utah, featuring the top teams from league play in U13 to U19 categories.

This season boasts a record participation of 273 clubs, 2,189 teams, and over 43,000 players competing in more than 28,000 matches across North America.

Key events include the season kickoff on September 6, 2025, and the MLS NEXT Fest from December 4-15, 2025, in Mesa, Arizona, which is the largest youth soccer scouting event in North America.

The Generation adidas Cup will be held from March 27 to April 4, 2026, at IMG Academy in Florida, featuring MLS academies and international clubs, including a Girls Division for the second time.

This marks the sixth season of MLS NEXT, highlighting top youth talent across North America competing in league play and major events.

The MLS NEXT Flex, a qualifying tournament for the MLS NEXT Cup, will take place from April 23-28, 2026, at Toyota Soccer Complex in Frisco, Texas, with winners earning spots in the season-ending championship.