Report says MLS looking to move Whitecaps away from Vancouver

A new report says Major League Soccer is looking to move the Whitecaps out of Vancouver. 

The Athletic published a story Monday saying the league has told owners around the league that it is exploring relocating the team, with Las Vegas being the top candidate for the new market. 

The story did not include a timeline for the move. 

Dan Courtemanche, an MLS spokesperson, told CBC News in a statement that the league's preference was for a path that allowed the Whitecaps to grow and succeed in Vancouver.

"At the same time, we have a responsibility to ensure the long-term health of the league and its clubs, and we will evaluate all options, including interest that has been expressed in the club from other markets and investor groups," he wrote.

MLS commissioner says B.C. Place not ‘viable’ for the Whitecaps

Courtemanche said in the statement that "stadium economics, scheduling restrictions, and a lack of government and corporate support" have meant the Whitecaps faced a difficult path forward in Vancouver.

Vancouver's current ownership group — including Greg Kerfoot, Steve Luczo, Jeff Mallett and former NBA star Steve Nash — announced the team was up for sale in December 2024 and repeatedly said the priority was keeping the Whitecaps in Vancouver.

The asking price was not publicly released. 

A Whitecaps spokesperson echoed the MLS statement, saying that revenue limitations meant that it has been difficult to attract buyers that were 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," the spokesperson said in a statement to CBC News.

"It remains the strong preference of this