With ongoing concern about the future of Vancouver’s Major League Soccer (MLS) team, businesses in the city are worried about the impact on them if the Whitecaps were to leave.
Shark Club Sports Bar manager Murray Saunders is one of many who became concerned about the possible departure following reports that MLS may be eyeing Las Vegas as a new home for the team.
Saunders’ worries come not only as a fan, but also as a business owner.
“We have a great partnership with the Whitecaps,” said Saunders.
“They’re literally across the street from us. They bring us a lot of business, and it would be very difficult to replace that if they do, in fact, move. They’re some of our best guests.”
The Whitecaps reported seeing over 530,000 fans at games last season, breaking their club record.
Wyatt Tierney with the Vancouver Southsiders — the Whitecaps’ largest supporters group — says the hype didn’t end last year with their memorable playoff run. He says fans are still putting their money into local establishments as they root for their team.
“For last weekend, we had both the main floor and second floor of Dublin Calling out, it was full, we had the patios full, it was overflowing to the streets,” Tierney said.
“I would call that a normal day.”
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim has stepped in, saying losing the MLS franchise is “not an option.” He’s called on the provincial government and the team’s owners to strike a short-term bridge deal to keep the Whitecaps in Vancouver.
Early Wednesday, B.C. Premier David Eby said he would be meeting with the head of MLS later in the day.
“I’ll be asking him, ‘What is it? Can we get a specific proposal from you or the Whitecaps team about what it’ll take to stay?’” Eby said.
But amid so much uncertainty, there is one thing many can agree on.
“It would be devastating if the team were to leave Vancouver,” said Tierney.
