December 17 – In the history of Major League Soccer (MLS) only three franchises have been sold after formation (Real Salt Lake, Houston Dynamo, Orlando City SC). We can now make that four as the Vancouver Whitecaps FC ownership group of Greg Kerfoot, Steve Luczo, Jeff Mallett, and Steve Nash has put their team up for sale.
In a statement released by the club on Friday, it said the decision follows “reflection on what is required to ensure its continued growth and success.”
It continued: “The current ownership has built a solid foundation for Whitecaps FC – it is the right time for an owner with the platform, resources, and ambition to enhance the club’s ability to compete at the highest levels of MLS and steward the club in realizing its significant potential.”
Founded in 2009, and joining the league in 2011, the Whitecaps have struggled to find success south of the border in MLS with their best showing, a Western Conference semi-final versus the Portland Timbers. Their best league placing was 2nd in 2015 when they pushed FC Dallas for the title before eventually falling away.
No asking price has been released, however, Vancouver reportedly paid $40 million to join the league. To put that number into context, MLS expansion club San Diego FC are set to begin play next season and reportedly paid a US$500 million expansion fee to join the league.
MLS commissioner Don Garber said: “The Vancouver Whitecaps would not be where they are today without the vision and commitment of this exceptional ownership group.”
“The Whitecaps are a terrific club in a world-class city. On behalf of everyone at Major League Soccer, I want to thank them for their tremendous contributions and look forward to working with them to identify new ownership for the club.”
The Whitecaps finished the 2024 regular season with a 13-13-8 record before losing to LAFC in the 1st round. With that exit, head coach Vanni Sartini, was removed from his position.
Club CEO and sporting director Axel Schuster confirmed they have started the process to find their next head coach, with the goal of building a “championship contender in MLS, as well as continental tournaments.”
Contact the writer of this story, Nick Webster, at moc.l1734876521labto1734876521ofdlr1734876521owedi1734876521sni@o1734876521fni1734876521