Speculation about a Major League Soccer franchise moving to Edmonton has been firmly doused by the city's most prominent sports empire. The Oilers Entertainment Group (OEG) has stated it is not pursuing a relocation of the Vancouver Whitecaps, effectively pouring cold water on recent rumours.
OEG Focused on Core Business, Not Soccer
The rumours gained traction after MLS Commissioner Don Garber voiced frustrations about the Whitecaps' situation in Vancouver, citing long-standing lease issues at BC Place. Media reports, including from The Athletic, listed Edmonton among potential relocation destinations, alongside U.S. cities like Detroit, Las Vegas, and Phoenix.
However, any notion that the Oilers' ownership would lead the charge for an MLS team has been shut down. Tim Shipton, OEG's Executive Vice President of Communications and Gaming, said the group is "focused on our core sports and entertainment business and on the continued expansion of ICE District, including the design and construction of the new Event Park."
This is not the first time OEG has been linked to MLS. Sources indicate the group showed interest when the league controlled the struggling Chivas USA franchise over a decade ago, but a deal never materialized before the team was folded after the 2014 season.
Winter Schedule Presents Insurmountable Hurdle
A pivotal change in the North American soccer landscape has made Edmonton an even less likely market. MLS's decision to shift to a winter schedule, starting in 2027, presents a formidable climate challenge for a city without a covered stadium. The new schedule will run from mid-July to April, with a break from mid-December to mid-February.
While Edmonton famously packed Commonwealth Stadium for the "Iceteca" World Cup qualifiers in November 2021, those were special, one-off events. The prospect of hosting regular-season matches in February or March against teams like the Columbus Crew lacks the same appeal and practicality for fans and players alike.
Financial Realities and a Checkered Soccer History
The financial landscape also adds complexity. Forbes values the Whitecaps at $440 million US and reported the club lost approximately $10 million US in the previous season. Acquiring and relocating the franchise would require a massive investment.
Edmonton's history with professional soccer is marked by short-lived ventures. The city has seen multiple versions of the Edmonton Drillers in indoor and outdoor leagues, and the Edmonton Aviators lasted less than a full season before being rebranded. This checkered past underscores the challenges of sustaining a top-tier soccer team in the market.
For now, Edmonton soccer fans will have to look to the success of local teens in the Whitecaps system or international matches for their major soccer fixes. With OEG's clear statement and the logistical nightmare of a winter schedule, the dream of MLS coming to Edmonton appears to be on ice.
