MLS team release statement on 1,250-mile Las Vegas relocation as $10bn stadium project planned

The Vancouver Whitecaps could be on the move to Sin City.

A special committee of Major League Soccer owners met earlier this month to discuss the future of the franchise, amid what are described as ‘ongoing structural challenges’ to keep them in Canada.

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The Whitecaps have been for sale since December 2024, but have been unable to find a buyer willing to keep the club in Vancouver.

Issues surround the stadium situation at BC Place, which MLS commissioner Don Garber described as ‘untenable’ last December, due to the need to work around various other events.

The Athletic reports that a move to Las Vegas was the ‘chief option’ discussed by a subcommittee of owners earlier in April, and that the MLS has had discussions with a group looking to bring a team to the market.

Reports of a potential 1,250-mile relocation across the border have surfaced despite the Whitecaps finding considerable on-field success.

Last year, the team reached the final of both the Concacaf Champions Cup and MLS Cup, and are five-time Canadian Championship winners.

‘Save the Caps’ signs have been seen at recent matches, as fans have made their feelings clear on the team.

According to ESPN, a lack of government and corporate support, on top of the stadium issues, have led to questions over the future of the Whitecaps and made it difficult to establish a ‘viable path forward’ for the club.

Vancouver Whitecaps release statement on relocation

A statement from the team was shared following reports of a potential relocation Monday night.

“We are aware of today’s reporting,” the message began.

“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.

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“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.”

An MLS spokesperson, meanwhile, noted that the ‘preference’ is to find a path that allows the Whitecaps to stay in Vancouver, but admitted that they have a responsibility to ‘ensure the long-term health’ of the league and its clubs.

“We will evaluate all options, including interest that has been expressed in the club from other markets and investor groups,” that statement read.

Las Vegas building $10bn sports hub at heart of Strip

Suggestion that Vegas could be in line to land an MLS team, via relocation, comes after plans were announced to build a 50,000-capacity soccer stadium on the world-famous Strip.

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Starr Vegas Development has put forward a vision for a $10bn sports and entertainment hub on 63 acres near West Star Avenue and South Las Vegas Boulevard, with the proposed stadium described as the ‘anchor of the campus.’

A basketball arena for a new Vegas NBA team is also planned.

So far, $6bn has been raised for the project.

Vegas was slow to the sports boom, but could soon find itself with an MLS team and NBA franchise alongside the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders, NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights and WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces.

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The MLB’s Athletics, who currently play in West Sacramento, California, are also expected to arrive for the 2028 season.

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