Save The Caps: Vancouver Fans Rally for Home Team

0:00It's April 25. From your city to your ears, this is Canada News Today, powered by AI. Vancouver White Caps fans are fighting back against relocation rumors with a new campaign called Save the Caps. The South Sider supporters group wants to prove the team's deep roots here by rallying everyone for a pre-game march down Robson Street this Saturday. Evening, it kicks off before the Caps host the Colorado Rapids at BC. In place, their last home game before a two-month road trip for the FIFA World Cup. The team started hot with a 7-to-1 record, but off the field, they're struggling big time. Ownership put them up for sale this year after admitting a $40 million revenue gap. White Caps ranked near the bottom in MLS value at around $445 million with the lowest league revenue at $46 million. Fans like South Siders, President Ciaran Nicole, see this as a wake-up call, inspired by Columbus crew supporters who saved their team from moving almost.

1:02Ten years ago, they're aiming for over a thousand marchers to show investors the league and the city that Vancouver loves its club too much to let it go. MLS teams are skyrocketing in worth, averaging $750 million with expansion fees hitting half a billion like San Diego's last year. This got folks worried, owners might relocate for a cheaper path to profit. The province already chipped in 1.5 million in stadium cash this season, and talks are underway for a new soccer-specific spot at the old. Hastings Park, race course, Palfco, who runs BC Place, says they're committed to keeping the Caps in British Columbia long-term. Fans hope their passion drowns out the money talks and secures the team's future right