Major League Soccer (MLS) has received a formal offer to purchase the Vancouver Whitecaps from an investment group led by Grant Gustavson, with plans to relocate the club to Las Vegas.
Gustavson, 30, is the son of billionaire Tamara Gustavson—whose net worth is estimated at $8.5 billion—and the grandson of B. Wayne Hughes. According to sources familiar with the discussions, the bid includes a commitment to privately finance both the acquisition and the construction of a soccer-specific stadium in Las Vegas.
In a statement, the investor group highlighted Las Vegas as a rapidly growing soccer market with strong global appeal. While details of the proposal remain undisclosed, the group emphasized its intention to work collaboratively with MLS and stakeholders to achieve a positive outcome.
Sources also indicate that the group is prepared to arrange a temporary venue while a new stadium is developed.
The potential relocation has sparked significant backlash in Vancouver, where supporters have launched a “Save the Caps” campaign to keep the team in the city. The situation has also prompted urgent discussions between MLS leadership, local government officials, and community stakeholders.
The Whitecaps organization acknowledged ongoing structural challenges, including stadium economics, venue access, and limited revenue streams, which have complicated efforts to secure a local ownership group. Over the past 16 months, more than 100 potential buyers have been engaged, but none have presented a viable proposal to keep the club in Vancouver.
Local officials, including Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim and British Columbia Premier David Eby, have publicly expressed their commitment to retaining the franchise. MLS Commissioner Don Garber has also met with regional leaders, signaling continued efforts to explore a sustainable long-term solution.
MLS stated that discussions remain ongoing, with league representatives planning additional meetings in Vancouver in the coming weeks.