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Joey Saputo, owner of CF Montréal, revealed on Monday that the Saputo family has initiated the process of selling the Major League Soccer club. After more than three decades at the helm, the family has decided to part ways with the team they founded as the Montreal Impact back in 1992 and transitioned into MLS in 2012.
The decision to sell comes amid a combination of economic pressures and sporting considerations. Saputo pointed to a range of operational challenges and the need for fresh investment as key factors influencing this move. In recent years, his attention has increasingly shifted towards Europe, where he serves as owner and president of Italian Serie A club Bologna FC. Acknowledging the evolving landscape of Major League Soccer, Saputo emphasized the requirement for an owner equipped with the financial resources and strategic vision to invest heavily in player acquisitions and salaries, matching the ambitions of top-tier clubs.
Multiple MLS Franchises Facing Ownership Changes
CF Montréal joins two other MLS franchises currently on the market: the San Jose Earthquakes and the Vancouver Whitecaps. This trio reflects a broader trend within the league, driven primarily by the divergence in financial models between legacy owners and new investors.
As MLS enters an era marked by soaring designated player salaries, transfer fees, and the rising costs of modern infrastructure, longstanding family ownership groups and early-generation investors are encountering capital limitations. Many of these traditional owners face growing operational losses and stadium-related constraints, leading them to seek new buyers with deeper pockets. Institutional investors and private equity firms are increasingly stepping into these roles, signaling a shift in the league’s ownership landscape as it continues its rapid expansion and professionalization.
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