Vancouver Whitecaps owners to sell club

The ownership group of the Vancouver Whitecaps is looking to offload the club, announcing on Friday that it has initiated a sales process.

“This decision comes after careful consideration of the club’s journey and reflection on what is required to ensure its continued growth and success,” a release from owners Greg Kerfoot, Steve Luczo, Jeff Mallett, and Steve Nash shared.

Kerfoot bought the team in 2002, eventually bringing it into the Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2008. The ownership group formed that same year, and since then, the MLS and soccer across the world has “evolved considerably,” the team says.

“The club has grown to become a staple of MLS, reaching seventh in league attendance, doubling season ticket memberships over the past two years, and qualifying for the MLS Cup Playoffs in three of the past four seasons. 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,” the statement read.

The Whitecaps fired coach Vanni Sartini last month after the team was ousted in the first round of the MLS playoffs.

“Our group has been committed to transforming our local soccer club into a significant contributor to our community,” Kerfoot said in a statement. “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 passionate MLS supporters, Academy development teams and players, the thousands of kids who attend camps, and the groups we support in nurturing the game in so many places have all proven our belief in Vancouver as a first-class soccer market. The future of the Vancouver Whitecaps is bright.”

The Whitecaps haven’t made the Western Conference semifinals since 2017.

Forbes estimates the club is worth around $410 million. Ownership has retained Goldman Sachs to help with the transition.

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With files from Sportsnet Staff.