Leaders working with 'private partners' to save Whitecaps

Field Level Media
14 May 2026, 22:49 GMT+10

(Photo credit: Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

The City of Vancouver, the government of British Columbia, First Nations leaders and the owners of BC Place are working together with 'private partners' to try and save the Whitecaps.

They issued a joint statement on Thursday updating their efforts to keep the MLS team from relocating, perhaps to Las Vegas. The private partners were not identified.

Their goals include 'improving the game day economic model at BC Place, exploring additional sponsorship opportunities, and advancing work on potential sites for a new stadium and development.'

'Let's be clear: Vancouver is open for business. We are doing everything we can to keep the Whitecaps here, and we are committed to building a long-term solution that reflects the scale, ambition, and global future of this city,' read their joint statement.

On May 1, The Athletic reported that there was a formal offer on the table to purchase the Whitecaps and move the team to Las Vegas.

An investor group led by Grant Gustavson, the son of Kentucky billionaire Tamara Gustavson and grandson of Public Storage founder B. Wayne Hughes, submitted a bid to the league office.

The Whitecaps originally were founded in 1974 as a member of the North American Soccer League and were later revived as an MLS franchise in 2009.

The team has been up for sale since December 2024.

Fans in Vancouver have engaged in a 'Save The Caps' movement in an attempt to keep the club in British Columbia. The Whitecaps are one of three MLS clubs in Canada along with Toronto FC and CF Montreal.

--Field Level Media

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Calgary Monitor.

More Information

North America

Section

Leaders working with 'private partners' to save Whitecaps

(Photo credit: Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images) The City of Vancouver, the government of British...

PM Modi's visit to UAE will be very significant in backdrop of West Asia situation, a strong symbol of support: Former envoy Sanjay Sudhir

New Delhi [India], May 14 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the United Arab Emirates tomorrow is 'very significant', coming...

"Complete Fog of War": Ex Diplomat says India must leverage BRICS to wade through Middle East crisis

New Delhi [India], May 14 (ANI): The visit of the Iranian Foreign Minister to New Delhi for a meeting of BRICS foreign minsters hosted...

"Hand in hand": Xi envisions harmony between Chinese rejuvenation, Trump's MAGA vision

Beijing [China], May 14 (ANI): Chinese President Xi Jinping adopted a warm and conciliatory tone during a state banquet honouring US...

"Crown of thorns": Ex-diplomat says India's BRICS current chairship most complex since group's genesis

New Delhi [India], May 14 (ANI): India, which assumed the role of BRICS chair for the fourth time, is navigating the most 'difficult'...

"Bhairon Singh Shekhawat practiced politics to build society, not just form govt": Rajnath Singh hails former VP's integrity

Jodhpur (Rajasthan) [India], May 14 (ANI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday unveiled the statue of India's former Vice President...

Canada

Section