The Vancouver Whitecaps will have upwards of 54,000 fans at their MLS Cup playoff match against LAFC on Nov. 22, but their future at BC Place Stadium and in the city remains in doubt.
In Dec. 2024, the club announced it was seeking new ownership while reiterating its desire to remain in the Western Canadian market.
After signing German superstar Thomas Müller and finishing second in the Western Conference in 2025, ownership adjusted their plans, indicating it was seeking an additional investor. Yet, unlike many of MLS clubs, the Whitecaps do not own their stadium; they rent BC Place, a government-owned facility, and take home little revenue share from matchdays.
“There is a possibility [of relocation] and that's not the path we want to be on,” said MLS Commissioner Don Garber at a media event in Vancouver this week. “Those restrictions and those challenges make it untenable for the Vancouver Whitecaps. Economically, they don’t participate in any revenue.
“I’m here on a mission to try and figure out ways we can capitalize on all the success of this club… to try to move from being successful on the field and having community connections while being in the bottom of our 30 teams in revenue, and in the top between 50-25% in attendance.”
