Arthur Griffiths (former Canucks & Grizzlies owner for the kids out there) was interviewed this morning on Global and said he feels that the Whitecaps will NOT be moved. Basically said that for Vancouver to have another professional team leave would be such a horrible look that it would be detrimental for everyone involved. I take that right now under the circumstances and for whatever his opinion is worth as a positive!
I also posted my thoughts in another thread and am adding them here too 👇
'Caps game nights are my "happy place" as I enjoy being part of a joyful collective even when watching at home.
I've also talked to many people recently (people that I normally wouldn't talk to, but know they also follow the Whitecaps) who feel really and truly saddened by the relocation talks and also about the bond that they have with the team as it is often special time spent with generational family members.
Even one acquaintance fully believes that the Whitecaps saved her relationship (and possibly his life) with her son during difficult times as they always had the shared bond of the Whitecaps to pull them through.
Other parts of the world seem to understand the importance of community and sport and "collective effervescence," but in North America professional sports is always in the end about accumulating wealth and prestige.
We should all be rejoicing in how great the Whitecaps are doing - not worrying about saving them.
The Whitecaps are more than money - they are about connection and joy.
This is more than politics and business - it's about changing the system and adjusting philosophies to allow sports to be what they are intended to be. Which is to be a true part of a community helping make day-to-day life...basically...better.