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 on Monday that 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, who are interested in bringing a team to their cities.
Advertisement
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. A glaring issue facing the Whitecaps is their venue, with the club’s contract with BC Place set to expire at the end of this year. In February, Vancouver signed a one-year lease to stay in the venue in what appears to be a bandaid on the issue.
Advertisement
The Whitecaps and the City of Vancouver announced in December that they had signed a Memorandum of Understanding, entering negotiations to explore the potential building of a new stadium and “entertainment district” at the city-owned Hastings Park, which currently holds a racecourse. However, there has not been any updates on the negotiations, which expire December 2026.
Whitecaps fans have responded to reports of a potential relocation with a “Save the Caps” campaign, holding up signs with the slogan at Vancouver’s game against the Colorado Rapids on Saturday. A large sign in the supporters’ section read, “Hands off our Whitecaps”; another read, “We will fight for our club, and we will win.”
Advertisement
Saturday’s game was Vancouver’s last home game until August, with BC Place is set to undergo preparations for the 2026 World Cup in June. The Whitecaps will travel to play away games throughout May and July to accommodate the tournament.
(Simon Fearn-Imagn Images)
(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect / REUTERS)
The situation is similar to what happened to the Columbus Crew, who were threatened with relocation in 2017 with plans to move the team to Austin. A “Save the Crew” campaign from fans and from the city eventually led the team to stay put under the new ownership of the Haslam family, who own the Cleveland Browns.
Austin was officially awarded an expansion franchise, Austin FC, later in 2018, while Columbus went on to win MLS Cups in 2020 and 2023.
Advertisement
The last time MLS actually relocated a franchise was in 2006, when the San Jose Earthquakes were moved to Houston to become the Dynamo. Two years later, the Earthquakes were re-introduced into the league, and were allowed to keep its name, branding and club history.
Read the full article here
