Does Vancouver have the appetite for an MLB team? Critics doubt mayor's proposal
Posted on: Apr 15, 2026 06:03 IST | Posted by: Cbc
As city manager Ken Sim puts send on a question seeking to appeal a john r. Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise to Vancouver, critics are doubtful the city can put forward an attractive enough business case and sustain a new franchise.
Sim said in a statement that the motion, set to come before council next week, would direct city staff to "launch an expression of interest process to identify a qualified ownership group" capable of advancing a bid for an MLB club.
But critics say the proposal ignores the reality of professional sports in Vancouver — which already saw the NBA's Vancouver Grizzlies depart to Memphis, and the Vancouver Whitecaps soccer team facing struggles of its own.
In addition, one mayoral candidate says significant taxpayer expenditures would be needed to construct a new stadium for the team — something that he sees as unlikely in the current environment.
Pete Fry, a current Green Party councillor who will challenge Sim in October's municipal election, said the mayor's proposal was simply an election gambit.
"Certainly, we have no shortage of really important expenditures in the City of Vancouver," Fry said. "Is this the best bang for our buck?
"We didn't have much luck with an NBA team and certainly Montreal couldn't sustain a Major League Baseball team. So I don't know," he added.
Vancouver already has a professional baseball team — the Vancouver Canadians, the Toronto Blue Jays' High-A Minor League affiliate who play at Nat Bailey Stadium.
The stadium, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, holds around 6,500 people. Fry noted that it needs significant renovation, and it's unclear how much taxpayers would be paying for that.
B.C.'s biggest stadium, B.C. Place in downtown Vancouver, hosted several MLB exhibition series between 1984 and 1994.
However, a $500-million renovation in 2011 — including a centre-hung scoreboard and a cable-supported retractable roof — has made the 54,000-seat stadium less suitable for baseball.
Fry said it's likely any new MLB team will demand a new stadium, which he said would be unlikely in a province that is fiscally constrained and is already committing millions to the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
Ticket broker Kingsley Bailey also said that Sim's proposal was an election ploy, and flatly said an MLB team in the city "is not going to happen."
Bailey pointed to the Whitecaps, who have enjoyed recent success on the pitch, but say they struggle to make money in the city.
"I'd love to see baseball here, but right now we do not have the ownership that really cares about the fans in the city," Bailey said.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.