B.C. minister ‘more optimistic’ about Whitecaps’ future amid efforts to prevent relocation

Vancouver Whitecaps FC forward Brian White, left, scores a goal past San Diego FC goalkeeper CJ Dos Santos (1) as defender Christopher McVey (97) looks on during the first half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, May 23, 2026, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

Ongoing work to improve the financial viability of the Vancouver Whitecaps has left B.C. Jobs and Economic Growth Minister Ravi Kahlon “more optimistic” about the team’s future in the province.

There have been few updates since multiple levels of government, local First Nations and unnamed “private partners” issued a joint statement on their efforts to prevent the Whitecaps from relocating nearly two weeks ago, but Kahlon said conversations aimed at keeping the team in Vancouver are continuing on a near-daily basis.

“We are making progress to help the financial situation of the club, because I think that’ll be a key to keeping them here,” Kahlon told CTV News on Wednesday.

“We’re engaging with the business community, identifying new revenue-generating opportunities with the club and trying to match potential sponsors to those.”

The minister couldn’t provide an update on the local group that he previously said had come forward to make a bid. Kahlon said the bidding process normally involves non-disclosure agreements as Major League Soccer conducts “extensive reviews” of an interested party’s finances to assess the viability of the bid.

“My understanding is anyone who’s been interested has been going through that process,” Kahlon said.

One bidder hoping to relocate the team has already been publicly identified. U.S. billionaire Grant Gustavson is leading a group trying to move the Whitecaps to Las Vegas, with plans to build a privately financed stadium in Nevada.

MLS commissioner Don Garber has called the lack of a dedicated venue in Vancouver—where the team currently plays at BC Place, a stadium owned by a Crown corporation—a major hurdle to profitability.

Kahlon called the current owners’ desire to sell a “big challenge” facing those trying to keep the team local, but said he’s more hopeful than he was weeks ago.

“I certainly am more optimistic given that we’ve had so many players—in fact, all the players—at the same table working together,” he said.

“We’re still hoping that qualified buyer gets through the MLS system and is able to come in and take over the team.”

With files from CTV News Vancouver’s Kevin Charach and The Canadian Press