Vancouver’s push for a Major League Baseball team has taken another step forward, with the city selecting The Show Vancouver as its preferred partner to pursue a potential expansion franchise. Founded by Zack Ross—president of multigenerational Vancouver-based real estate development company Cape Group—The Show Vancouver was created to bring an MLB team to Vancouver and B.C.
The group’s proposal envisions “a world-class MLB franchise anchored by a landmark ballpark and mixed-use real estate development at an iconic site, creating a destination that generates economic activity, civic pride, and community benefit for generations.” The announcement did not disclose a potential location, price tag or financing structure. “Vancouver is my home and it is one of the great cities in the world, and we deserve a Major League Baseball team,” Ross, CEO of The Show Vancouver, said in a press release issued earlier this week.
Ross’s group is working with BRS Sports, whose experts have experience launching and operating professional sports franchises, executing expansion bids and overseeing stadium developments, along with bringing expertise in real estate, government relations and financial structuring. Team members include Jac Sperling, who has helped launch three North American professional sports expansion franchises; Ray Baker, who was involved in the development and governance of the Colorado Rockies’ Coors Field; and Tim Romani, whose portfolio includes more than $20 billion in sports and entertainment venues.
Beyond assembling an experienced bid team, TSV is positioning the proposed franchise and ballpark as a potential economic driver for the region. The group says it will work with the city and community partners to address reconciliation, affordable housing, sustainability and local employment, while expanding access to baseball for young people across B.C. and Western Canada. “The selection of a preferred bid team marks an important step in exploring the potential for Major League Baseball in Vancouver,” said Bridgitte Anderson, president and CEO of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, adding that major sports franchises can attract investment and visitors, support local businesses and create opportunities across a range of sectors.
Former Vancouver mayor and B.C. premier Mike Harcourt also framed the bid as an opportunity to build on major city-shaping projects such as Expo 86. “Being named preferred partner of the city is the first step in building on these legacy projects to further transform our city for a new generation and further enhance Vancouver’s reputation as one of the most livable cities in the world,” Harcourt said in the release.
The average British Columbian appears to be on board, too. According to polling by Research Co., more than seven in 10 British Columbians would welcome an MLB team in Vancouver, while fewer than one in 10 oppose the idea. The bid has also received support from more than 150 B.C. leaders who signed a recently published open letter.
