Vancouver Whitecaps CEO says proposed new stadium a bid to keep team in city

The Vancouver Whitecaps' CEO says a proposed new team-owned stadium is part of a long-term plan to keep the city's professional soccer team based in Vancouver.

On Friday, the Whitecaps had announced they were exploring the idea of building their own venue at the PNE fairgrounds, near where the club's old stadium once stood.

As the club's ownership group — Greg Kerfoot, Steve Luczo, Jeff Mallett and Steve Nash — prepares to sell the city's Major League Soccer team, analysts say the club's move to build their own stadium may be part of a strategy to generate more revenue.

Axel Schuster, the Whitecaps' CEO and sporting director, told reporters Saturday the club is exploring all possible options to keep the team in Vancouver — and that stadium discussions have become part of that process.

"We are only working on one plan, one goal, and this is to keep the club in Vancouver and to find a very good setup for the future for this club in Vancouver," Schuster said.

"The ownership group hasn't given up on the club, and the ownership group isn't running away," Schuster said. "They have the biggest interest that this club stays here, finds a successful setup, [and] that we find a next ownership group."

The city confirmed Friday evening that "discussions at a high level" have taken place between the team and city officials, but declined to offer further details.

While the proposed location has yet to be finalized, Schuster said the city approached early conversations "very open-minded," though it is still "the beginning of a process."

The PNE fairgrounds has historical significance for the club. When the team first formed under the North American Soccer League in the 1970s, they played right next to the fairgrounds at what was then Empire Stadium.

The space later became Empire Fields, where the team debuted in Major League Soccer in 2011. Today, the site is home to community turf fields. 

"It would bring some of that history full circle," said Vancouver-based sports commentator Gurpreet Sian.

He added that the Whitecaps are one of the few Major League Soccer clubs that do not operate their own stadium, a factor that has likely contributed to the team's lower valuation compared to other franchises.

"Out of the 29 teams, they ranked 28th in terms of their value because they're one of the few teams that doesn't operate their own facility," he said.

Most recently, the Whitecaps have been playing at B.C. Place Stadium and using a training facility at the University of British Columbia. But their lease at the downtown stadium is set to expire at the end of 2025.

Schuster confirmed the team is also in talks with B.C. Place operator PavCo about a "different type of lease" for the future. PavCo issued a statement saying it values its partnership with the club and understands the ownership is "exploring several options."

"B.C. Place is proud to be the current home venue for the Vancouver Whitecaps," the statement read. "We will continue to explore the best ways to support the overall growth of soccer in British Columbia."

WATCH | Whitecaps owners to sell club: 

Vancouver Whitecaps FC owners prepare to sell club

5 months ago

Duration 5:05

The owners of the Vancouver Whitecaps have announced they are looking to sell the team, saying the decision comes after "careful consideration" of "what is required to ensure its continued growth and success." The club's CEO, Axel Schuster, spoke to CBC News about their choice.

One analyst says the stadium announcement may be as much about leverage as it is about long-term planning.

"The cynical side of me would have said that this is partially posturing, given that the B.C. Place lease expires at the end of this season," said Peter Schaad, a football podcaster and former Whitecaps commentator.

"But the football romantic side of me says bring it on, because the club has always wanted to have its own facility."

Schaad said controlling their own venue would give the Whitecaps the ability to manage scheduling, revenue streams, and the overall fan experience — all crucial to the business model of a modern soccer franchise.

"You get to control all of your own bookings. You get to control when your games are. It's huge," he said.

The Whitecaps say they look forward to continuing engagement with the city.