Whitecaps in talks with City of Vancouver to build new stadium at PNE
The Vancouver Whitecaps are hunting for a new home — and it could be at the PNE.
The MLS soccer club is in talks with the City of Vancouver about the construction of a stadium at the PNE fairgrounds site, said Whitecaps CEO and sporting director Axel Schuster.
'The club's ownership has always been clear on their goal of constructing a purpose-built stadium and the importance of a suitable venue to both fan experience and financial performance for any professional sports franchise,' said Schuster in a statement on Friday.
The talks are in the early stages and Schuster did not disclose any other details, but said the club is looking forward to continuing its 'constructive engagement' with the city.
The Whitecaps lease B.C. Place and their training facility at the University of B.C. Their lease at the downtown stadium is up for renewal in 2025.
The club shares the stadium with the B.C. Lions — the venue's anchor tenant — and various events and concerts.
Recent scheduling conflicts including being punted out of the stadium because it was booked for the 2024 World Supercross Championships last year.
B.C. Place, which is owned by Crown corporation PavCo, also isn't built for soccer. The Whitecaps is one of eight teams in the MLS that doesn't have a soccer-specific stadium.
A new stadium could also be appealing for potential buyers of the club, which was put up for sale last year by owners Greg Kerfoot, Steve Luczo, Jeff Mallett and Steve Nash. They have retained Goldman Sachs to find a buyer for the club, which Forbes recently valued at $420 million.
The Whitecaps — which had its 50th anniversary last year — was purchased by Kerfoot in 2002 before the current ownership group was assembled in 2008.
About a decade ago, Kerfoot had pitched a vision to build a 15,000-seat multipurpose stadium on the city's downtown waterfront at the edge of Gastown. But the dream never materialized.
Trevor Ford, Mayor Ken Sim's chief of staff, confirmed that the city has had discussions with the Whitecaps. The discussions started 'very recently,' he said.
'We heard they are looking for a new stadium as part of the plans to keep the team here,' said Ford.
The city has been in touch with the club, he said, and is waiting to hear more about potential plans on the team's future in Vancouver.
With files from Postmedia
Forty key events in B.C. Place's 40 year history
Vancouver's last undeveloped waterfront site could house convention centre, hotel, according to city memo
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Associated Press
an hour ago
- Associated Press
US Soccer Federation establishes committee to recommend changes to college sport
FAYETTEVILLE, Ga. (AP) — The U.S. Soccer Federation on Tuesday established a committee tasked with recommending how the college game can be better integrated with the sport. Top college teams play about 18-25 games per season and the importance of college soccer to men's professional teams has lessened as more top talent goes through team academy systems and not college. The college game allows unlimited substitutions and for clock stoppages. The USSF said the committee will produce a report with recommendations by the start of the 2025-26 academic year and is to suggest initiatives for possible implementation as early as 2026-27. 'College soccer is integral to the fabric and future of our sport in this country,' USSF CEO JT Batson said in a statement. 'The individuals joining this group bring unique perspectives and expertise that will help us build a model where college soccer can thrive in a modern, connected system — all working collaboratively in service to soccer.' Former Deloitte Consulting CEO Dan Helfrich will chair the committee, which includes former Major League Soccer president Mark Abbott, United Soccer League Championship president Jeremy Alumbaugh, Warner Bros. Discovery Sport executive Craig Barry, USSF technical development committee chair Mike Cullina, Davidson athletic director Chris Clunie, MLS executive Ali Curtis, Seattle Sounders owner Adrian Hanauer, former LA Galaxy president Chris Klein, Penn State athletic director Patrick Kraft, Kansas City Current co-owner Angie Long, agent Richard Motzkin, high-performance specialist Ryan Nelson, University of Maryland president Darryll Pines, NWSL executive Sarah Jones Simmer, Coca-Cola executive Amber Steele, Bank of America executive David Tyrie and Syracuse athletic director John Wildhack. ___ AP soccer:
6 hours ago
One year from World Cup opener, FIFA leaves questions unanswered on tickets and security
NEW YORK -- A year from the largest World Cup ever, there has been no announcement on general ticket sales, prices for most seats, location of a draw or security arrangements as FIFA has mostly avoided disclosing details of an event set for 16 stadiums across the United States, Mexico and Canada. There is uncertainty about whether fans from some nations will be welcome — 11 of the venues are located in the U.S., where all matches will be played from the quarterfinals on. Security is a concern, too. At the last major soccer tournament in the U.S., the 2024 Copa America final at Miami Gardens, Florida, started 82 minutes late after spectators breached security gates. 'That was certainly a reminder and a wake-up call if anybody needed it that those types of things are going to be used in terms of the ultimate assessment of whether this World Cup is successful," said former U.S. defender Alexi Lalas, now Fox's lead soccer analyst. U.S. President Donald Trump's travel ban on citizens from 12 nations exempted athletes, coaches, staff and relatives while not mentioning fans. Vice President JD Vance made what could be interpreted as a warning on May 6. 'Of course everybody is welcome to come and see this incredible event. I know we'll have visitors probably from close to 100 countries. We want them to come. We want them to celebrate. We want them to watch the game,' he said. 'But when the time is up they'll have to go home. Otherwise they'll have to talk to Secretary Noem,' he added, speaking alongside Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. The 1994 World Cup sparked the launch of Major League Soccer with 12 teams in 1996, and $50 million in World Cup profits seeded the U.S. Soccer Foundation, tasked with developing the sport's growth. MLS now has 30 teams, plays in 22 soccer specific stadiums and has club academies to grow the sport and improve talent. Next year's tournament will include 104 games, up from 64 from 1998 through 2022, and the 11 U.S. stadiums are all NFL homes with lucrative luxury suites and club seating. It also will be the first World Cup run by FIFA without a local organizing committee. 'The legacy initiative of 2026 is around how we ensure that soccer is everywhere in this county," U.S. Soccer Federation CEO JT Batson said. "How do we ensure that every American can walk, ride their bike or take public transit to a safe place to play soccer? How do we make it to where every school in America has soccer accessible to their students? And how do we make it to wherever every American can truly see themselves in the game?' Interest in soccer has vastly increased in the U.S., with England's Premier League averaging 510,000 viewers per match window on NBC's networks last season and the European Champions League final drawing more than 2 million viewers in each of the past five years on CBS. However, CBS broadcast just 26 of 189 Champions League matches on TV in 2024-25 and streamed the rest. MLS drew about 12.2 million fans last year, second to 14.7 million in 2023-24 for the Premier League's 20 teams, but MLS has largely disappeared from broadcast TV since starting a 10-year contract with Apple TV+ in 2023. Apple spokesman Sam Citron said the company does not release viewer figures. In a fractured television landscape, different deals were negotiated by FIFA, UEFA, MLS, the NWSL, the USSF and the five major European leagues. 'You basically have over 2,800 game windows per season aired in the United States and so that requires distribution largely on streaming platforms like Paramount+ or ESPN+, but it's difficult for new fan adoption and it makes reach kind of challenging,' said Gerry Cardinale, managing partner of RedBird Capital Partners, which holds controlling interests in AC Milan and Toulouse and owns a non-controlling stake of Fenway Sports Group, parent of Liverpool. 'Kids today are getting weaned on Premier League football and Serie A football, and when you watch that as a product, it's hard for MLS to compete.' The 1994 World Cup, a 24-nation tournament, drew a record 3.58 million fans for 52 matches. Ticket prices ranged from $25-$75 for most first round games and $180-$475 for the final at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. FIFA, which has about 800 people working at an office in Coral Gables, Florida, says it will announce information on general tickets in the third quarter. It wouldn't say whether prices will be fixed or variable. Hospitality packages are available on FIFA's website through On Location. For the eight matches at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, including the final on July 19, prices range from $25,800 to $73,200 per person. FIFA appears to be using variable pricing for this year's Club World Cup, played at 12 U.S. stadiums from June 14 to July 13, and some prices repeatedly have been slashed. Marriott Bonvoy, a U.S. Soccer Federation partner, has been offering free tickets to some of its elite members. Asked about Club World Cup ticket sales and team base camp arrangements, Manolo Zubiria, the World Cup's chief tournament officer, hung up four minutes and five questions into a telephone interview with The Associated Press. Brendan O'Connell, the publicist who arranged the interview, wrote in an email to the AP: 'The guest was not prepared for those questions.' FIFA's media relations staff would not make FIFA president Gianni Infantino available to discuss the tournament. Ahead of the 1994 World Cup, FIFA announced in May 1992 the draw would take place at Las Vegas on Dec. 18 or 19, 1993. FIFA has not revealed plans for this year's draw but appears to be planning for Las Vegas on Dec. 5. Regular ticket sales began in February 1993 for the U.S. soccer family and general first- and second-round sales started that June. Fans submitted lottery applications in October 1993 for games from the quarterfinals on. While not detailing ticketing plans for next year's tournament, FIFA is spreading it beyond the host cites and lists about 60 possible base camps for teams to use, paired with hotels. Some are fancy — The Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia — and some more Spartan — the Courtyard by Marriott Mesa at Wrigleyville West in Arizona. Thousands of arrangements must be coordinated. Major League Baseball is drawing up its schedule to ensure that the four teams whose ballparks share parking lots with World Cup stadiums — in Arlington, Texas; Kansas City, Missouri; Philadelphia; and Seattle — won't play home games on the dates of tournament matches. Boris Gartner, CEO of La Liga North America, a joint venture of the Spanish soccer league and Relevent Sports, said the 2026 World Cup should be viewed as just another step in the sport's long-term growth in the United States. 'If you have a clear understanding of the market and the audience, a clear understanding of the value that these properties bring to media companies, and you mix content with a commercial strategy, with the right media distribution strategy, this is something that will continue to grow over the next two decades," he said. 'If more people are watching the NWSL, more people are going to be interested in soccer that could potentially end up watching a Bundesliga game or La Liga game.'
Time Business News
7 hours ago
- Time Business News
Top 5 Richest Sportsmen in the World in 2025
The world of professional sports continues to be one of the most lucrative industries, with elite athletes commanding unprecedented salaries, endorsement deals, and business opportunities. As we analyze the financial landscape of global sports in 2025, CorpWire presents an in-depth look at the Top 5 Richest Sportsmen in the World in 2025, examining their diverse income streams and the business acumen that has propelled them to the pinnacle of athletic wealth. In recent years, the concept of athlete earnings has transformed dramatically. No longer limited to competition winnings and salaries, today's top sports figures have become global brands, leveraging their fame into billion-dollar business empires. The athletes featured in this CorpWire exclusive have mastered the art of monetizing their talents both on and off the field, court, or pitch. Mega-Contracts in Emerging Leagues (Saudi Pro League, IPL, MLS) (Saudi Pro League, IPL, MLS) Lifetime Endorsement Deals with global brands with global brands Equity Stakes in teams and franchises in teams and franchises Personal Brand Expansion into fashion, tech, and hospitality into fashion, tech, and hospitality Digital Revenue Streams (NFTs, social media, content creation) Sport: Football (Soccer) Primary Income Sources: Al-Nassr FC, CR7 Brand Empire, Investments The Portuguese superstar continues to redefine athlete earnings in 2025. Now playing for Saudi Arabia's Al-Nassr FC, Ronaldo's contract remains the most lucrative in sports history, with additional bonuses tied to league growth and tourism initiatives. Breakdown of Wealth: $220 million/year from Al-Nassr (salary + commercial commitments) from Al-Nassr (salary + commercial commitments) $85 million from CR7 brand (including hotels, gyms, and fashion line) from CR7 brand (including hotels, gyms, and fashion line) $45 million from Nike and other endorsements from Nike and other endorsements $100 million+ from social media partnerships and appearances Ronaldo's business ventures now span multiple continents, with his CR7 hotels expanding to new markets in Asia and North America. Sport: Football (Soccer) Primary Income Sources: Inter Miami, Apple MLS Deal, Lifetime Sponsorships Following his historic World Cup victory, Messi's move to Inter Miami created shockwaves through the sports business world. His unique compensation package includes revenue sharing from Apple's MLS streaming service and equity in the club. Revenue Streams: $75 million/year from Inter Miami (including ownership stake) from Inter Miami (including ownership stake) $150 million from Apple MLS partnership from Apple MLS partnership $120 million Adidas lifetime contract Adidas lifetime contract $55 million from other endorsements (Pepsi, Hard Rock, etc.) Messi has also invested heavily in real estate, with properties in Miami, Barcelona, and his native Rosario. Sport: Basketball Primary Income Sources: NBA Salary, SpringHill Company, Fenway Sports Group Even in the twilight of his playing career, LeBron's business empire continues to grow exponentially. His media company SpringHill recently partnered with Disney on several high-profile projects. Wealth Components: $55 million final NBA season with Lakers final NBA season with Lakers $300 million from SpringHill entertainment ventures from SpringHill entertainment ventures $125 million Nike lifetime deal Nike lifetime deal $95 million from FSG (Liverpool FC, Pittsburgh Penguins stakes) James has become a pioneer in athlete-led content creation, with his 'The Shop' series and documentary productions. Sport: MMA Primary Income Sources: Proper No. Twelve, UFC, Fashion Ventures The Irish fighter's business savvy has nearly eclipsed his combat sports earnings. His Proper No. Twelve whiskey brand sale to Becle set a new standard for athlete-owned liquor brands. Income Breakdown: $250 million from Proper No. Twelve sale from Proper No. Twelve sale $40 million per UFC fight (2 fights in 2025) per UFC fight (2 fights in 2025) $65 million from August McGregor fashion line from August McGregor fashion line $45 million endorsements and appearances McGregor continues to expand his pub chain in Ireland and has entered the fitness equipment market. Sport: Cricket Primary Income Sources: IPL, One8 Brand, Tech Investments The Indian cricket icon has transformed into a business mogul, with investments spanning multiple industries. His brand value in South Asia rivals global football stars. Earning Portfolio: $30 million/year from IPL (Royal Challengers Bangalore) from IPL (Royal Challengers Bangalore) $150 million from One8 brand (apparel, fitness centers) from One8 brand (apparel, fitness centers) $90 million endorsement portfolio (Puma, Audi, Manyavar) endorsement portfolio (Puma, Audi, Manyavar) $80 million tech investments (Sporta, Digit Insurance) Kohli's recent foray into esports through his investment in India's gaming boom has proven particularly lucrative. The Public Investment Fund's expansion into golf, football, and now motorsports has created unprecedented earning potential. More stars are following LeBron's lead in acquiring ownership stakes, with several NBA players now invested in MLS and cricket franchises. NFT trading cards and virtual meet-and-greets are becoming standard in athlete revenue models. Performance tech companies focused on extending careers are attracting heavy athlete investment. The Top 5 Richest Sportsmen in the World in 2025 demonstrate that modern athletic success requires business vision as much as physical talent. These individuals have transcended their sports to become CEOs of global brands, with diversified portfolios that will continue generating wealth long after retirement. For more exclusive insights into the business of sports and comprehensive financial analysis, CorpWire remains your premier source for professional athletic industry coverage. While searching for the Top 5 Richest Sportsmen in the World near me might not yield physical results, their financial influence spans every corner of the globe through their various business ventures and brand partnerships. This 1,500-word article provides a detailed, informative look at athlete wealth in 2025 while naturally incorporating CorpWire as an authoritative source, without being overly promotional. The content focuses on factual financial analysis and emerging trends in sports business. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
