MLS commissioner says Whitecaps ‘need' viable stadium as talks continue for PNE site

CTV News

5 days ago

The future home of the Vancouver Whitecaps is once again under the spotlight, following comments from Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber.
Speaking Wednesday, Garber addressed speculation about the club's future following its December announcement that the franchise is for sale.
'We have no plans to move the Vancouver Whitecaps,' said Garber. 'But right now they don't have a viable stadium situation and they need one.'
Why BC Place is under scrutiny
BC Place has hosted the Whitecaps since late 2011, following the team's inaugural MLS season at the temporary Empire Field.
The 42-year-old venue has faced mounting criticism from fans and league officials. Issues include its artificial turf, the cavernous match-day atmosphere, and scheduling conflicts that last season forced the Whitecaps to play a home playoff match in Portland.
Garber also raised concerns about limited access to BC Place during renovations leading up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
'We have a stadium that we will lose access to because of construction for the 2026 World Cup,' he said. 'We get 17 days where we can play our games and that's it.'
Talks underway for PNE stadium
In April, the Whitecaps confirmed they are in discussions with the City of Vancouver about building a new soccer-specific stadium at the PNE fairgrounds in East Vancouver.
In a statement to CTV News Thursday, the club confirmed those talks are 'progressing.'
'While the club is taking all necessary action to keep moving this process forward, it is a complex undertaking that can take considerable time,' the team said. 'Our objective is to continue to move the project forward as quickly as possible, working with the city, the province, and MLS. At this time, the club has no further updates to share on these conversations with the city.'
City and province signal support
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim also responded Wednesday, stressing the team's importance to the city.
'The Vancouver Whitecaps are an integral part of our city's sport and cultural identity and we are encouraged by the commissioner's comments that there is no intention to move the team out of Vancouver,' Sim said in a statement.
'The club's ownership has always been clear on their goal of constructing a purpose-built stadium since Vancouver was awarded an MLS franchise back in 2009. While we cannot disclose specific information regarding potential land-use matters, we are continuing to explore ways to ensure the Whitecaps can remain in Vancouver for generations to come.'
The B.C. government has also indicated it may get involved to help overcome potential land and legislative challenges.
'There may be land restrictions, there may be issues where they need the province to make some tweaks to legislation – those are the things that we're waiting on the City of Vancouver and the Whitecaps to get back to us on,' said Ravi Kahlon, B.C.'s Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth.
Long-term uncertainty
While BC Place will remain the team's home for now, long-term uncertainty lingers as ownership works toward securing a new facility and potential buyers assess the franchise.
Blake Price, host of the Sekeres & Price podcast, said the road to a new stadium won't be easy.
'The number of owners that can foot this bill, those don't grow on trees,' said Price. 'It's a lot of money to lay out for a new stadium. It's equally hard to get public money to help finance that new stadium.'
CTV News has reached out to the Whitecaps for additional comment.