The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade has issued an open letter urging businesses to help keep the Vancouver Whitecaps from relocating. Hundreds of companies have signed on, pledging sponsorships, partnerships, and ticket programs to address the club's revenue challenges.
The Whitecaps have been up for sale since December 2024. An investor group led by businessman Grant Gustavson has submitted a bid to MLS, proposing a move to Las Vegas with a privately financed soccer-specific stadium. Gustavson is the grandson of Public Storage co-founder B. Wayne Hughes.
The club points to revenue limitations at the provincially owned B.C. Place Stadium as a hurdle for local buyers.
Premier David Eby is set to meet this week with the Whitecaps, MLS, the City of Vancouver, and local First Nations to discuss keeping the team in Vancouver. Eby said Tuesday he does not believe a decision has already been made to relocate the team.
The Whitecaps CEO Axel Schuster noted over 30 potential buyers have reviewed the club's books, but none were interested in operating in Vancouver under the current business model.
The board of trade says the team generates tens of millions of dollars in economic activity for local businesses. The uncertainty comes weeks before Vancouver hosts seven FIFA World Cup matches at B.C. Place.