A lot of “ifs” are involved, but Vancouver city council could approve a deal by July with a potential ownership group in pursuit of a Major League Baseball team—if, in fact, there is a bid.

A new document posted to the city’s website says that if a group comes forward with a bid before the June 19 deadline—and then is approved by an evaluation panel—that city staff will “make a recommendation for city council consideration before the end of July.”

“The city expects to enter into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the successful proponent, which would include, among other things, the terms upon which the parties would cooperate to bring Major League Baseball to Vancouver,” the document said.

The document is a request for expressions of interest for a qualified sports ownership group to bring an MLB team to Vancouver. It is available for viewing on the city’s bid page section of the website.

Business in Vancouver reported in April that Sim was making a pitch to land an MLB franchise in the city. MLB has publicly stated it wants to add two more teams, with commissioner Rob Manfred showing interest in Vancouver.

So far, no ownership group has publicly shown an interest, although the mayor’s motion to council in April said “a proponent group has signalled interest in exploring a bid” for Vancouver.

Sim didn’t provide details in the interview in April, but said: “What I can tell you is that the credible people that are interested—and there will be a lot of people interested—they will bring a network and know-how that understands this process very well.”

‘Public excitement’

This week, BIV contacted the mayor’s office for more information, but the only update provided was:

“We have been encouraged by the public excitement we have seen about the prospect of welcoming an MLB team to Vancouver. However, our office is unable to provide details of applications during expression of interest or bidding processes.”

The city’s website now outlines the scope of the work required of a potential bidder or bidders. That work includes a bidder articulating their plans for:

• Securing a franchise from MLB.

• Securing a stadium site in Vancouver.

• Financing the construction or renovation of a stadium.

• Financing and operating an MLB franchise, and “ensuring that economic and other benefits flow to the community.”

“In particular, the city is interested in responses from potential ownership groups that can clearly demonstrate financial capability, expertise and experience, a sound ownership structure, a clear approach and planned methodology, a plan to ensure that the community will benefit from MLB’s presence in Vancouver, and alignment with the city’s reconciliation, equity, environmental, and accessibility standards,” the document said.

The city’s website now includes a question-and-answer page regarding Sim’s push for an MLB franchise. Here are some of the questions and answers:

Has the city selected a site for a stadium?

No decisions have been made about a possible site. Once a qualified ownership group has been selected, it would be the responsibility of the proponent to analyze and identify possible sites to be considered.

Will the city be contributing land or any other subsidy?

Any potential land contribution or land use arrangement would need to be proposed by the proponent and would be subject to detailed analysis, public process, and council approval, at that later time. There is no commitment of taxpayer dollars. The city’s role is to protect the public interest, ensure fair value, and require clear community benefit.

Will the city be providing and paying for a stadium or major sports facility?

No decision has been made on a stadium. Proponents would be expected to finance the development, including design, construction and operations, of any such stadium. The proponent would need to include in their proposed business model all assumptions regarding and expectations of the city.

In addition, the city may have a role in ensuring the site is fit for purpose and complies with all existing use planning, zoning and permitting requirements. The due diligence to confirm viability of the stadium design, construction, operation and business model is needed prior to any bid.

What approvals and roles rest with the City of Vancouver?

The city’s role is to select a proponent and potential ownership group to work with the city. Once the proponent has completed its due diligence of the viability of an MLB team in Vancouver, city council would need to approve the overall terms and conditions for the city.

In addition, any site or land development would go through the full regulatory process, including rezoning, development approvals, public consultation and council approval.

Should proponents be expecting a long-term deal by being selected a qualified sports ownership group?

Any proponent that is selected as the qualified ownership group needs to recognize this is not a guarantee for a long-term arrangement. The city expects to enter into an MOU with the selected proponent, which will state the next steps, responsibilities for each party and how the two parties will work together to advance an MLB expansion bid.

What are the expected timelines of any MLB expansion?

The MLB Commissioner has indicated that any league expansion would not occur until after their next collective bargaining agreement (CBA) is concluded, but within his current term. The current CBA expires in December 2026 and the commissioner’s term expires in 2029.

What if MLB expansion never happens?

Although the city intends to select a qualified ownership group, this group needs to understand that it is not certain an MLB expansion will occur. Any costs incurred by the proponent related to planning and preparation for a bid would be their responsibility.

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