British Columbia·Video
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim is proposing a motion to support bringing a Major League Baseball team to the city. But as the CBC’s Justin McElroy reports, his proposal comes a little bit out of left field.
Mayor Ken Sim is putting forward a motion that seeks expressions of interest to bring an MLB team to city
CBC News · Posted: Apr 16, 2026 10:00 AM EDT | Last Updated: 1 hour ago
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Nat Bailey Stadium in Vancouver — the existing venue for Minor League Baseball in the city — is seen in April 2023. While the city’s mayor wants to bring a Major League Baseball team to Vancouver, experts say it will be a tall task. (Gian Paolo Mendoza/CBC)
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim is proposing a motion to bring a Major League Baseball team to the city — but there are many obstacles that remain before that could happen.
Sim’s motion, which comes before council next week, looks to attract a potential proponent that could bring a team to the city — with MLB commissioner Rob Manfred indicating he would want two expansion teams before his term is up in 2029.
Experts say attracting a team to the city could be a tall task, given the billions required to attract an expansion franchise and the inevitable new stadium the team would require.
In addition, those experts say the team would have to attract tens of thousands of people 81 times a year to be financially viable.
The CBC’s Justin McElroy broke down Sim’s proposal and whether he’s hit a home run.
WATCH | CBC’s Justin McElroy explains if the mayor’s pitch is a strike or a ball:
Vancouver mayor looks to attract a Major League Baseball franchise to the city
As Mayor Ken Sim puts forward a motion seeking to attract a Major League Baseball franchise to Vancouver, critics are doubtful the city can put forward an attractive enough business case and sustain a new franchise. CBC’s Justin McElroy explains if the mayor’s pitch has the potential to strike a chord.
With files from Justin McElroy
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