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Jeff Carlisle
Multiple Authors
MLS Commissioner Don Garber announced that his social media account was “compromised” after an inflammatory post directed at British Columbia Premier David Eby surfaced. The post mocked Eby for his commitment to “fight hard” against the potential relocation of the Vancouver Whitecaps.
In response, Eby released a 45-second video on Thursday assuring Whitecaps fans that “The Whitecaps are British Columbia, and I want you to know that we are at the table fighting hard to save the Whitecaps.”
Garber’s reply to Eby’s post simply read “Liar liar pants on fire.”
Garber later clarified that his account had been hacked, stating “The issue has been resolved, and I appreciate Premier Eby for taking the time to meet with me today.”
The offending reply has since been removed. An MLS spokesperson explained that the post came from a “random person” but did not provide details on how they accessed Garber’s account.
MLS Executive Vice President of Communications Dan Courtemanche confirmed on X that “Commissioner Garber was hacked and did not post this.”
Garber is currently in Vancouver to discuss the Whitecaps’ situation with governmental leaders while also attending the FIFA Congress.
The future of the Whitecaps remains uncertain as the franchise has been listed for sale since December 2024. Despite engaging in discussions with over 100 potential buyers, the team has yet to receive a viable offer to keep it in Vancouver.
Although both MLS and the Whitecaps express a desire to retain the team in its current location, there are ongoing considerations about relocation.
Sources have revealed that a subcommittee of MLS owners convened recently to explore potential relocation, with interested parties from Phoenix and Las Vegas showing strong interest in acquiring the franchise.
The main obstacles to maintaining the team in Vancouver are related to stadium economics. Currently, the Whitecaps compete at BC Place, owned by the Provincial Crown Corporation, PavCo.
Although the Whitecaps signed a new lease for BC Place with better financial terms—returning $1-$1.5 million in revenue to PavCo—the team’s CEO Axel Schuster has indicated that this is not adequate for long-term viability.
In December, the Whitecaps and the City of Vancouver agreed to a memorandum of understanding to explore the potential development of a new stadium and entertainment district in Hastings Park.
However, Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim acknowledged at the time that this process could take “four-plus years,” a timeline that seems too lengthy for MLS leaders.
In the meantime, the Whitecaps’ fanbase has rallied behind a “Save the Caps” movement, with supporters displaying banners and signs at recent matches, including one against the Colorado Rapids.