Vancouver Whitecaps owners begin process to sell the club

The Vancouver Whitecaps will not only be on the hunt for a new coach this offseason but also a new owner after the team’s ownership announced it began the process of selling the club.

The team’s current ownership – Greg Kerfoot, Steve Luczo, Jeff Mallett and Steve Nash – was formed in 2008 and the club has grown significantly since joining Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2011.

Kerfoot initially acquired the club in 2002 and has seen it double season ticket memberships over the past two years and reach seventh in league attendance.

According to Forbes's February 2024 valuation of MLS clubs, the Whitecaps were estimated to be worth $420 million.

“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,” stated a press release from the team.

In 2012, the club invested $15 million to establish the Whitecaps FC National Soccer Development Centre.

“Our group have been committed to transforming our local soccer club into a significant contributor to our community,” said Kerfoot.

“It is gratifying to see how meaningful the Whitecaps have become to so many and to have been able to contribute to the growth of a vibrant and thriving soccer community in Vancouver, the Lower Mainland, British Columbia and beyond.”

The Whitecaps celebrated their 50th anniversary this past season and snuck into the MLS playoffs with a 5-0 win over Portland in a wild-card match.

Vancouver then fell to LAFC in a best-of-three series in the first round of the playoffs.

“The Vancouver Whitecaps would not be where they are today without the vision and commitment of this exceptional ownership group,” said Don Garber, MLS commissioner.

“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 team has retained Goldman Sachs to advise on the sale and transition options.