Canada Soccer has reaffirmed its commitment to keeping the Vancouver Whitecaps based in the city, following a formal offer from a US investment group to buy and relocate the MLS franchise to Las Vegas last week. In a statement issued on Thursday, the governing body confirmed its support for local solutions.
“From our discussions, the Whitecaps ownership has approached this process with a clear commitment to finding a sustainable local solution. It has also been evident that achieving the right result will require strong, coordinated collaboration among key partners – particularly from the provincial government, including relevant crown corporations, and those involved in critical infrastructure considerations,” the statement read.
Canada Soccer urged all stakeholders to act “with urgency, creativity, and flexibility to keep this club where it belongs: in Vancouver.”
Earlier this week, British Columbia Jobs Minister Ravi Kahlon revealed that a local group had approached the provincial government with an interest in purchasing the Whitecaps.
The club’s ownership has cited economic challenges related to stadium operations and accessibility as reasons for considering a sale. The Whitecaps’ lease agreement with BC Place restricts revenue generation on match days, and the venue is set to host seven matches during the 2026 World Cup this summer.
Previously, the club emphasized that the current ownership’s first choice remains a local solution. “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,” the club stated.
Vancouver Whitecaps fans have also voiced their support, with protests held outside the city’s Convention Centre ahead of the FIFA Congress last week.
