Vancouver selects preferred partner for Major League Baseball expansion bid

By Liam Tremblay — 30 July 2026 — 3 min read

The City of Vancouver has chosen a group led by local real estate developer Zack Ross to be its preferred partner in pursuing a Major League Baseball expansion franchise. Ross, who serves as president of Cape Group, heads The Show Vancouver, an organization established with the goal of bringing an MLB team to the city.

The proposal from The Show Vancouver centers on the development of a new ballpark alongside a mixed-use complex. However, specific details regarding the project, such as its estimated cost, projected economic impact, or how it would be financed, have not been disclosed. Additionally, no site for the proposed ballpark has been announced.

City Collaboration and Financial Responsibility

Mayor Ken Sim initiated an expression-of-interest process earlier this spring, seeking a qualified ownership group with the necessary financial capacity and experience to advance an MLB bid. The city council has since directed staff to enter into a memorandum of understanding with The Show Vancouver. This agreement aims to establish a framework for collaboration, which includes conducting due diligence for potential ballpark sites.

According to the city, The Show Vancouver will bear all costs and financial risks associated with preparing and advancing its MLB bid. The city also stated that it would collaborate with The Show Vancouver as the group explores a potential expansion bid. Any future project agreements, including decisions on site selection and land use, will require council approval.

Rob Manfred, the MLB commissioner, indicated in October that another Canadian city in the league could be viable when asked about the possibility of adding a team in Vancouver. While the league has not yet announced formal plans for expansion, Manfred has previously expressed his hope for the MLB to grow from 30 to 32 teams before his scheduled retirement in 2029.

Partnerships and Endorsements

The Show Vancouver has formed partnerships with several entities to support its bid. These include BRS Sports, a sports marketing and analytics company whose principals feature former NHL executive Jac Sperling, sports venue consultant Tim Romani, and Denver real estate executive Ray Baker. The group has also retained Populous, a ballpark architecture firm, CAA Icon, a project management firm, and Gensler, an architecture and design firm, to assist in developing its proposal.

The announcement from The Show Vancouver received endorsements from notable figures, including Bridgitte Anderson, president of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, and Mike Harcourt, a former B.C. premier. Ross emphasized that the proposal is centred on the new ballpark development, stating that Vancouver is a great city deserving of a Major League Baseball team and that the project would be a community asset.

Historical Context and Current Baseball Presence

BC Place Stadium previously hosted several Major League Baseball exhibition series between 1984 and 1994. These events featured teams such as the Toronto Blue Jays, Seattle Mariners, and Montreal Expos. However, a $500-million renovation completed in 2011, which included the installation of a centre-hung scoreboard and a cable-supported retractable roof, rendered the stadium unable to host baseball games.

Currently, Vancouver is home to the Vancouver Canadians, which is the Blue Jays’ single-A affiliate. The team plays its games at the 6,500-seat Nat Bailey Stadium. The selection of The Show Vancouver as the preferred partner marks a significant step in the city’s efforts to bring a Major League Baseball expansion team to Vancouver.

Source: tsn.ca