Whitecaps say 'strong preference' is to stay in Vancouver amid reports of potential move

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.

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.