Michael Bublé and Drew Scott Show Support for Keeping Whitecaps in Vancouver Amid Ownership Uncertainty
Canadian singer Michael Bublé and television personality Drew Scott have been approached about potentially helping to keep the Whitecaps in Vancouver amid uncertainty surrounding the club's future. Both entertainers expressed support for the idea of the Major League Soccer team staying in their hometown, although they did not commit to joining a local ownership group. Scott mentioned that he was recently contacted about joining a Whitecaps bid, while Bublé revealed that he had been approached in the past.
The Whitecaps have been on the market since 2024 due to challenges related to stadium control and revenue at B.C. Place Stadium. An investor group from the U.S. has submitted a bid to relocate the team to Las Vegas. The club's ownership group has reached out to over 100 parties about a potential sale, but no viable local ownership solution has emerged under the current business model. Whitecaps CEO Axel Schuster emphasized the need for significant improvements in revenue streams to ensure the team's sustainability in Vancouver.
Despite the possibility of the Whitecaps moving to Las Vegas, Bublé believes that Vancouver is capable of supporting major-league franchises. He highlighted the importance of government involvement, infrastructure, and transportation in any potential solution to keep the team in Vancouver. Bublé acknowledged that while he did not pursue earlier discussions about the Whitecaps due to other commitments, he recognized that a long-term solution would likely require support beyond private investment alone.
Scott expressed his interest in supporting the sports culture in Vancouver and did not rule out the possibility of joining a Whitecaps ownership group in the future. Both Bublé and Scott are currently part-owners of the Western Hockey League's Vancouver Giants and are promoting a new Prime Video docuseries called "Hometown Giants," which follows the team's pursuit of a Memorial Cup title. Their involvement in the Giants reflects their commitment to growing the sport culture in Vancouver.
In conclusion, Michael Bublé and Drew Scott have shown interest in potentially helping to keep the Whitecaps in Vancouver, emphasizing the city's ability to support major-league sports franchises. While they have not committed to joining a local ownership group, their support for the team's presence in Vancouver underscores the importance of community involvement and sustainable revenue streams for the Whitecaps' future.