Sounders FC will launch the next membership renewal process on Thursday, July 16, and this year’s renewal decision will feel different than usual.
Update: Sounders FC has shared that renewal notices will now be sent to members on Thursday, July 16. We have updated the dates in this post to reflect the new timeline.
The reason is the upcoming MLS calendar change.
Beginning in summer 2027, MLS will move to a summer-to-spring season that more closely aligns with many of the top leagues around the world. Before that new calendar begins, MLS will play a 14-game transition season (Sprint Season) from February to May 2027. For Sounders fans, that means a 7-match home schedule for the 2027 Sprint Season.
For Alliance Members, this year’s renewal process is not just about renewing for “next season” in the usual way. Members will have two main choices:
Renew for the short 2027 Sprint Season only
or
Renew for both the 2027 Sprint Season and the full 2027-28 season through the Evergreen Membership
That choice is the biggest thing to understand before renewals open.
The short version
The Sprint Season is the short transition season before MLS moves to the new calendar. It includes 7 Sounders home matches as part of a 14-game MLS regular season.
The Evergreen Membership includes the Sprint Season plus the full 2027-28 season that follows, for a total of 25 home matches.
If you do not take action during the renewal window, you will automatically renew into the Evergreen Membership on an 11-month payment plan.
That may be the right choice for many members, but it is worth reviewing your account once renewals open so you know exactly what you are renewing into.
The club will be sharing official renewal information directly with members, including full package details, pricing, deadlines, and benefit information. This post is intended to help translate the key points into a simple, member-focused overview so you can make the best decision for your seats.
Key renewal dates
Here are the important dates members should watch for:
- July 16: Renewal process launches
- July 16-31: Renewal decision window
- August 4: First payment processed
- August 17-24: Seat relocation window
- August 31: New memberships open, with priority for those who placed a deposit
We strongly recommend adding these dates to your calendar, especially the July 31 renewal deadline.
Alliance Member benefits
Choosing Sprint or Evergreen does not change your core member benefits. Both options include:
- Apple TV subscription
- Concessions and retail discounts
- Ticket return credit
- Alliance Member voting rights
- Core Alliance Member benefits
The biggest differences are the length of your commitment and the lower average price per game for the 25-match package.
What are the renewal options?
Sprint Season Only
The Sprint Membership includes the 7 Sounders home matches during the short transition season. It does not include the full 2027-28 season that follows.
Members who choose Sprint will have another renewal decision to make before the 2027-28 season.
This may be a good fit for members who want to renew for the transition season but are not ready to commit to the full 2027-28 season yet.
Sprint Membership pricing will increase for the Sprint Season, then return to 2026 pricing for the 2027-28 membership cycle. Inaugural pricing will remain in place where applicable.
Evergreen Membership
The Evergreen Membership includes both the short Sprint Season and the full 2027-28 season.
This is likely the best fit for members who know they want to continue with their seats through the transition season and into the first full season under the new MLS calendar.
Members selecting Evergreen will receive:
- Flat base membership pricing for the Sprint Season and the 2027-28 season with no price increase from 2026-27 season
- A streamlined renewal process, with no need to renew again until the 2028-29 season
- A premium renewal gift, a Rains + Sounders jacket, allocated one per seat
- Access to the new “Life Happens Opt Out” program
Members may still see a slight increase because of local sales tax changes, but the base membership price will not change for Evergreen Members during this renewal cycle.
Most importantly, Evergreen is the default renewal option if members do not make a change during the renewal window.
No action means Evergreen
One of the most important things to know:
If you do not take action during the renewal window, you will automatically renew into the Evergreen Membership on an 11-month payment plan.
For many members, that may be exactly what they want. But because this is not a normal renewal year, every member should review their options when the renewal information arrives.
“Life Happens” Opt Out
For members selecting the Evergreen Membership, the Sounders are introducing a Life Happens Opt Out program.
This program is for Evergreen Members who experience a life change that impacts their ability to continue their membership into the 2027-28 season. Members who have completed their last payment and are fully paid will have a window in June to use the “Life Happens Opt Out” if needed. Members who opt out will receive a 90% refund (with 10% retained as a processing fee).
Alliance Council does not yet have the full details of this program, so members who think they may need this option should review the club’s official renewal information carefully and contact their ticket representative with questions.
Alliance Council will keep listening
Alliance Council’s goal is to help Sounders Alliance members understand the renewal process, ask informed questions, and share feedback with the club.
We’ve included a handful of questions and answers below. As more details are released, we will continue to review the information and help members navigate the process.
If you have questions, concerns, or feedback about renewals, please reach out to Alliance Council or talk with us at an upcoming match.
FAQ
Why is there a Sprint Season?
MLS is changing its calendar so future seasons will run more like many global soccer leagues, starting in the summer and ending in the spring.
To get from the current calendar to the new calendar, MLS will first play a shorter transition season in early 2027. That is the Sprint Season.
The Sprint Season will run from February to May 2027 and include a 14-game regular season, with each club playing 7 home matches and 7 away matches.
After that, the first full season under the new format will begin in summer 2027 and continue into spring 2028, with a winter break built into the schedule.
What is the ticket return credit?
Ticket return credit will continue as a member benefit.
Sprint and Evergreen Memberships can return two games for the Sprint Season.
For the full 2027-28 season, return ticket credit returns to normal with Alliance Members able to return 7 or 8 games, depending on their ticket type (club, etc.).
Members should review their official renewal materials for full details on how ticket return credit works, when it can be used, and if their membership qualifies for 7 or 8 games in 2027-28.
Is there a pay-in-full credit?
Members who choose a qualifying full package and pay in full will receive a $100 credit that can be used toward concessions or retail.
This is a helpful benefit for members who prefer to pay all at once and know they will be spending money at matches throughout the season.
What is the renewal gift?
The premium renewal gift is a RAINS + Sounders jacket, allocated one per seat for Evergreen memberships.
Rains is a well-known outerwear brand, and similar jackets often retail around $170. The club is also considering opportunities for members to try on jacket sizes at select matches before placing their order.
More details should be included in the official renewal materials.
Is Apple TV still included?
Yes. Apple TV subscription remains included with both membership options.
Can I change my payment method, split payments or payment schedule?
The club’s newer ticketing and account system will offer more flexibility for managing payments. Members should review their account once renewals open to confirm payment method, payment schedule, and available options like splitting payments with a friend.
Because the first payment will process on August 4, it is a good idea to review your payment information before that date.
Will pricing change?
For Evergreen Members, base membership pricing will remain flat for the Sprint Season and the 2027-28 season.
Members may still see a slight increase related to local sales tax changes. The increase is approximately 0.6%.
As always, members should review the final pricing shown in their account and reach out to their ticket representative with any questions.
What about gate timing and matchday access?
We know gate timing and early access are important topics for many members.
At this time, gate timing for next season is still to be determined. The club has not committed to specific gate opening times, so members should watch for additional updates as the season approaches.
Alliance Council will continue to ask questions and share member feedback on this topic.
Sounders FC Alliance Council 