An emerging buyer has reportedly stepped forward to acquire the Vancouver Whitecaps, a Major League Soccer (MLS) team, challenging a Las Vegas-based consortium aiming to purchase the club and relocate it to Nevada.
Tyler Linderbaum from the Las Vegas Raiders participating in training camp on July 29 in Henderson, Nevada. (Image: Ian Maule/Getty Images)
As reported by Sportsnet’s Dan Murphy, Arthur Griffiths, the former owner of the Vancouver Canucks, is spearheading a group keen on acquiring the Whitecaps. Griffiths is well-known for his role in bringing the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) Grizzlies to Vancouver in 1995.
Intensifying Interest in Whitecaps Sale
Details regarding Griffiths’ future plans for the club remain sparse. The Whitecaps have been available for purchase since late 2024.
On the field, the Whitecaps have had a successful season, currently leading the MLS Western Conference with an impressive record of 10-3-3.
However, off the field, the franchise has faced significant challenges. Team owners and MLS Commissioner Don Garber have raised concerns about the restrictive lease terms at BC Place, where the team plays, limiting opportunities for matchday revenue and scheduling adaptability. BC Place, not designed specifically for soccer, is owned by the province.
Las Vegas Pursues MLS Franchise
According to Sportico, the Whitecaps currently rank 29th in valuation among the 30 MLS teams, estimated at USD $450 million.
In April, a consortium led by Grant Gustavson, connected to billionaire Tamara Gustavson, submitted a formal proposal to the MLS to acquire the team and shift it to Las Vegas.
Las Vegas is witnessing an expansion wave in professional sports, either through new franchises or relocation of existing ones.
The Las Vegas Raiders of the National Football League (NFL) are currently in training camp, gearing up for their sixth season in the city. Meanwhile, the National Hockey League (NHL) introduced the Vegas Golden Knights in 2017-18, marking the league’s 31st franchise. The Golden Knights clinched the Stanley Cup in 2023 and reached the finals again last spring but fell short against the Carolina Hurricanes.
Push for NBA Expansion
Major League Baseball’s (MLB) Oakland Athletics are preparing to move to Las Vegas by the 2028 season, with a massive $2 billion covered stadium being constructed at the intersection of Las Vegas Blvd. and Tropicana Ave.
The Women’s National Basketball Association’s (WNBA) Las Vegas Aces have been in operation since 2018, following the relocation of the San Antonio Stars. Last May, the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) announced plans for a new team to compete at T-Mobile Arena alongside the Golden Knights starting this upcoming season.
Additionally, the NBA views expansion to Las Vegas as a priority, with multiple ownership groups showing interest. Recent reports indicate that VICI is partnering with Caesars Entertainment to develop an arena for a potential NBA expansion team on a 50-acre site behind Paris Las Vegas, Horseshoe Las Vegas, and Planet Hollywood.
Raiders Offensive Line Developments
The Raiders will transition to full pads next week in training camp, with first-year head coach Klint Kubiak sharing insights about the team’s progress just days into their camp.
Kubiak addressed the cohesion of the team’s new offensive line.
This offseason, the Raiders secured three-time Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum as a free agent, whose agility aligns perfectly with Kubiak’s outside-zone running strategy, emphasizing lateral movement and a quick, decisive cut by running backs upon spotting an open lane.
Kolton Miller at left tackle brings experience, while Jackson Powers-Johnson at left guard is poised for substantial growth. Emerging starter Caleb Rogers at right guard and athletic option DJ Glaze, entering his third season at right tackle, round out the line.
Kubiak Impressed with Progress
Yet, Linderbaum remains the crucial component.
“I appreciate their efforts,” noted Kubiak. “Their attention to detail and ability to finish plays is commendable. We’re leaning into our practices, progressively building on reps, though we have much to accomplish.”
In the interim, the Raiders have added another tight end, signing Zack Kuntz, a 6-foot-8, 251-pound former New York Jet, on July 31.
Bowers Cultivating Team Chemistry
Kubiak opened training camp this week, naming Kirk Cousins as the starting quarterback.
Reporters inquired about the standout performance of the Raiders’ two-time Pro Bowl tight end, Brock Bowers, catching passes from Cousins, who joined the Raiders as a free agent in April, partly to mentor the No. 1 overall draft pick, Fernando Mendoza.
“The ball gravitated to [Bowers] today [July 31], yet we have numerous offensive talents on the team that spark our enthusiasm,” Kubiak remarked. “Brock, alongside Tre [Tucker, wide receiver], Jalen [Nailor, wide receiver], Mike [Washington Jr., running back], and Ashton [Jeanty, running back], we need to keep fine-tuning our reps for optimal readiness in a month.”
Aces Gear Up for Road Challenge
In related news, the Aces (20-9) are about to commence a critical road trip as the WNBA trade deadline approaches tomorrow [Aug. 2], at 3 p.m. EST, with Las Vegas keenly observing rival moves that could significantly impact the championship chase.
The Aces are viewed as one of the WNBA’s premier teams, recently securing a notable 104-99 home win against the defending champions, the New York Liberty, on July 31.
This was succeeded by a surprising defeat to the Chicago Sky (11-18) on August 1, falling narrowly at 84-83.
Currently, the Aces find themselves 3.5 games behind the first-place Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA Western Conference standings.
