Billionaire sends 'formal offer' to buy Vancouver Whitecaps and move them to Las Vegas
A noisy week for the Vancouver Whitecaps just intensified.
Rumours started to swirl on Thursday morning that Grant Gustavson, a 30-year-old with direct ties to a US$8.6 billion fortune, was interested in bringing the Whitecaps to Las Vegas.
Soon after, multiple outlets reported that the group, led by Gustavson, had submitted a formal offer with the intention of moving the Whitecaps to Nevada.
The news comes during an incredibly dramatic week for the Whitecaps and their faithful. Fans ramped up on the weekend, which led to a troubling statement from the club. Local politicians and FIFA executives have also weighed in.
On Wednesday, B.C. Premier David Eby met with MLS commissioner Don Garber about the Whitecaps situation in Vancouver. Eby called the talks “constructive,” however, that was overshadowed by Garber’s X account calling the B.C. premier a “liar.” The post was later removed, and Garber claimed his account was compromised.
The Gustavson Group sent out a press release on Thursday confirming its offer to buy the team.
“Las Vegas is known the world over as a welcoming destination for millions of people each year and has a growing, passionate community of soccer fans. An investor group, led by Grant Gustavson, submitted a bid for consideration to the MLS League Office.”
They clarified that their bid is not tied to any of the stadium renderings in Las Vegas. Earlier this month, it was revealed that a Vegas developer is planning to build a US$10 billion sports and entertainment district, including a 50,000-seat soccer stadium.
Grant Gustavson is the son of Tamara Gustavson, who is one of the wealthiest women in America, according to Forbes. The family fortune came from Public Storage, which was founded by B. Wayne Hughes, who is Grant Gustavson’s grandfather.
The Gustavson Group bid comes during the FIFA Congress, which is being held in Vancouver. Fans were outside the congregation on Thursday morning, protesting the Whitecaps’ potential relocation to another city.