Whitecaps agree to one-year B.C. Place lease and accept provincial funding

The Vancouver Whitecaps have accepted a one-year lease at B.C. Place and provincial support reported as up to C$1.5 million, while CEO Axel Schuster said the club earned about C$40 million less in revenue than some MLS peers last season.

The Vancouver Whitecaps have accepted a one-year lease at B.C. Place and agreed to provincial financial support reported as up to C$1.5 million. The move followed confusing public comments from CEO Axel Schuster, who clarified the agreement while the team trains in Marbella, Spain. The club is coming off a strong 2025 season that included deep runs in continental and MLS competitions and the signing of Thomas Müller. Club leaders say more revenue is needed to remain competitive and to address a reported revenue gap with some other MLS clubs. What we know: - The Whitecaps accepted the province's offer and agreed to a one-year lease at B.C. Place, the stadium operated by Crown corporation Pavco. - The provincial support was reported as up to C$1.5 million and is tied to Pavco profits from hosting Whitecaps games. - CEO Axel Schuster said the club earned about C$40 million less in revenue last season than some MLS teams that finished lower in the standings. - Schuster said the organization signalled financial trouble publicly but did not provide detailed loss figures. - The ownership group put the team up for sale in 2024, and the franchise value has risen since joining MLS in 2011 from roughly C$35 million to an estimated C$420 million. Summary: The club says the provincial funds and the one-year lease are one of many steps toward financial stability while leaders continue to seek additional revenue sources. Undetermined at this time.