Whitecaps say 'strong preference' is to stay in Vancouver amid reports of potential move
A group of MLS owners reportedly met earlier this month to discuss a possible relocation for the club, whose contract with BC Place expires this year.
MLS is reportedly looking closely into a potential move for the Vancouver Whitecaps, bringing the league closer to its first club relocation in two decades. The Athletic reported Monday a “special committee” of MLS owners met earlier in April to discuss the future of the Whitecaps — and whether the team should be relocated. The primary landing spot raised in that meeting was Las Vegas, with Phoenix as another possible contender, per The Athletic; MLS is reportedly in talks with groups from both markets, plus Indianapolis and Sacramento, that are interested in bringing a team to their cities.
After reports of a potential move, the Whitecaps said Monday in a statement that the ownership group’s “strong preference” is to stay in Vancouver going forward. The team also said that it has had “serious conversations with more than 100 parties” as potential buyers over the past year and a half, but did not consider any of them “viable. ” Here is the full statement from the club: “We are aware of today's reporting.
The club has faced well-documented structural challenges around stadium economics, venue access, and revenue limitations that have made it difficult to attract buyers committed to keeping the team in Vancouver. Over the past 16 months, we have had serious conversations with more than 100 parties, and to date, no viable offer has emerged that would keep the club here. “It remains the strong preference of this ownership group to find a solution in Vancouver.
If there is a local ownership group with the vision and resources to chart a path forward, we urge them to come forward. ” On the field, the Whitecaps are one of the top teams in MLS, going 8-0-1 to start the year after an MLS Cup appearance last season. However, the business side of the club has been less successful.