If the Vancouver Whitecaps Major League Soccer team relocates to Las Vegas, where they will play is a key question. As was the case with the other major sports facilities in the city, a location near the Strip is a priority.
Two suburban sites were initially considered with two groups looking at relocating the Whitecaps to Las Vegas, but interest has shifted back toward the Resort Corridor, a person with knowledge of the situation told the Review-Journal. The consensus is that a Las Vegas MLS stadium would be best located within walking distance of the Strip, the source said.
There are two groups that are interested in buying and then relocating the Whitecaps to Las Vegas, a source indicated. The source did not name those directly involved in the two groups, but noted billionaires Wes Edens and Naseef Sawiris, who previously pursued a Las Vegas MLS expansion team, are not included in the talks.
Two sites of interest include around 32 acres that sit behind three Caesars Entertainment properties behind the Horseshoe, Paris Las Vegas and Planet Hollywood on Koval Lane. Caesars Entertainment, which owns the land, did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Wednesday.
Another site under discussion is the Hughes Center on Paradise Road, between Flamingo Road and Sands Avenue, the source said.
The group looking at the land on Koval could be interested in constructing an NBA arena next to the MLS stadium, the source indicated. The MLS stadium would be open air to allow for the use of natural grass in the stadium, the source said.
During a meeting Tuesday with members of the Associated Press Sports Editors, MLS commissioner Don Garber expressed major frustration with the Whitecaps’ stadium situation in Vancouver, where he noted the lack of response from area officials there regarding the team’s needs for a new facility. The British Columbia government owns and operates BC Place, home of the Whitecaps, which isn’t the ideal scenario for team owner Greg Kerfoot on the scheduling front.
Garber met with British Columbia Premier David Eby and other area officials Wednesday to discuss the Whitecaps matter, MLS confirmed. MLS didn’t provide context behind what occurred at the meetings.
British Columbia officials didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment on the Whitecaps situation Wednesday.
Sources have ruled out multiple sites as potential locations to host a potential MLS team.
The Raiders’ Allegiant Stadium, the Athletics’ future Las Vegas ballpark, the proposed Las Vegas Diamond Arena and proposed Starr Las Vegas are not being considered, according to people with knowledge of the situation.
This is because the potential ownership groups are interested in building a new stadium and not playing in an existing facility.
One group is not planning to ask for public funding to go toward constructing a stadium, sources said. There have been loose talks regarding public money with the other potential MLS ownership group, but it has not been suggested they would pursue that option, according to a source.
Contact Mick Akers at makers@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2920. Follow @mickakers on X.
