Vancouver Mayor Proposes MLB Franchise Exploration

Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim announced plans on April 14, 2026, to propose a motion before city council on April 22 to explore bringing a Major League Baseball franchise to the city, positioning Vancouver as a candidate in the league's anticipated expansion.

The motion, if approved, would direct city staff to initiate an expression of interest process to identify a qualified ownership group capable of advancing a bid. Interested parties would need to demonstrate financial capacity, relevant experience and a clear plan for supporting a successful team. "An open, transparent and competitive process ensures we identify a capable partner with the ability to deliver a team that works for our city," Sim said in a statement. He described the effort as a way to thoughtfully pursue a potential new franchise.

Sim highlighted Vancouver's robust sports culture and history of backing professional teams, including the minor-league Vancouver Canadians, a Toronto Blue Jays affiliate that has played in the city since 1977. "With the MLB publicly expressing interest in league expansion in the near future, we see an opportunity to position Vancouver as the next home for a franchise," he added. The city...