Canada Needs to Save the Caps
Last November, I attended the inaugural Northern Super League Final, game 1 (and 7 - boo) of the World Series, the Grey Cup, Vancouver Goldeneyes' home opener, and even a Steelers game in Ireland. But that wasn't the most exciting sports event of the year for me.
No, that was in November at BC Place: the MLS Western Conference Semifinal between the Vancouver Whitecaps and LAFC. Somehow, the Caps survived down to nine men, extra time, and a stunning Son Heung-Min free kick, ultimately winning 4-3 on penalties. Thank you, Mathias Laborda.
I was a guest, somewhat an interloper, among 53,957 loyal fans. My fascination centred on both the passionate fandom and the miraculous outcome. The moment resonated deeply with me.
Less than a year later, the Whitecaps now face an uncertain future reminiscent of the Vancouver Grizzlies. While the comparison may be imperfect due to differences in tenure, it's worth recalling the Grizzlies' strong early support. Caps fans today have heroes like Alphonso Davies and Thomas Muller, and can remember the contributions of Brian Budd, the late Whitecap celebrated for the infamous Budd rule.
The Caps can't leave Canada. Their fans, grassroots soccer, and women's soccer don't deserve it. The billionaires hoping to move the team to Las Vegas can fund their own stadium; why not ask MLS for an expansion team?
As Canada prepares to host the World Cup, losing a historic team like the Whitecaps would be a tragic misstep. Protecting this team is critical for Canadian soccer. Keeping the team requires more than fans, clubs, or sponsors. They need a stadium deal that earns more than the reported 12% revenue. It demands a wealthy owner and government involvement, not to subsidize, but to ensure fairness.
Sponsors must also step up. Vancouver, as a market, shouldn't be seen as regional but as Canada's gateway. It's a symbol of our coasts, our immigration history, global beauty, home of many of our Indigenous people, our Olympic host status, and TED conference location.
All Canadian sponsors, in soccer or not, should support the Caps. Perhaps the team could sell shares like the Green Bay Packers. I own two, and our little company would be thrilled to become a wee Caps owner. In 2009, their expansion fee was $35 million; now, they might go for $450 million on the open market. Can we find 450,000 people worldwide who would want a piece?
Those numbers show it's a good business, despite low league revenues. Recently, Nationwide Insurance helped buy an NWSL team in Columbus. Maybe a Canadian insurer wants to do the same with the Whitecaps. I'm unsure if it's allowed, but you see my point.
Canada needs the Caps. Canadian businesses need the Caps. This can be a great investment in community, in country, and in the next Christine or Cyle.
Sign Save The Caps here: https://savethecaps.com/