In a rare press conference, CF Montreal owner Joey Saputo disclosed that his family has started the process of “initiating a structured sale process” for the MLS club. He revealed his intentions on Monday afternoon, becoming emotional as he addressed the future of the Quebecois team after over three decades of ownership.
“This decision is neither driven by urgency nor dictated by circumstance,” Saputo stated in his prepared remarks. “It’s the result of careful and deliberate reflection on our current status and, more importantly, the opportunities that lie ahead for the club.”
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Saputo emphasized his commitment to keeping the club in Montreal, expressing hope to find a buyer who “shares commitment to Montreal and who will ensure that the club remains in the city for many years to come.”
However, more than half an hour into the event, after fielding questions from attendees, Saputo did not rule out the possibility of selling to a buyer who may relocate the team. “I will not discount the club to the point of just giving it away just for the sake of giving it away,” he said clearly. “I love this club. I want it to stay here. But if an owner comes in who lacks the capacity to maintain the club at the necessary level and invest in the players that this city wants to see, then I’m not doing anyone a favor by selling it solely to keep it here.”
“As much as I would love for this club to be here, if there’s someone capable of doing it, and I feel they can do it, I would love for this club to continue to thrive. But if that isn’t the case, and a relocation offer comes in that aligns with Major League Soccer’s aspirations, then that’s a reality we’ll have to accept,” he added.
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Potential Sale Price of CF Montreal
Saputo did not provide specific estimates regarding the selling price or the timeline for finding a suitable buyer, noting that the sale would be coordinated with MLS and the club’s investment bankers. Recently, he could potentially receive significantly more than the $40 million expansion fee he paid to join the league in 2012.
For context, the Illig family sold 71% of Sporting Kansas City to Peter Malouk at a $700 million valuation in January, and in May, the Haslem family sold a 37% stake in the Columbus Crew at a $900 million valuation. Both teams currently own their own stadiums; Forbes listed SKC as the 16th most valuable franchise in 2025, while Columbus ranked 18th during their partial sale.
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As of June 2025, Forbes ranked CF Montreal as the second least-valuable club in MLS, estimating its worth at $435 million, just ahead of Stan Kroenke’s Colorado Rapids. The club does have its own stadium, Stade Saputo, which has a capacity of just over 19,000 and is known for creating a vibrant atmosphere.
The league’s decision to alter its season calendar may force Montreal to play more winter matches, posing a challenge for Stade Saputo’s outdoor setting. The nearby Montreal Olympic Stadium is scheduled for modernization and will reopen in 2028, but the club would be tenants there if they transitioned temporarily.
Reasons Behind the Decision to Sell
Saputo founded the club in late 1992, originally as the Montreal Impact, and has served as its day-to-day steward for most of his tenure. He navigated the club through multiple leagues before it joined MLS as an expansion franchise in 2012. Saputo also led a consortium in acquiring a controlling interest in Italian Serie A club Bologna in 2014, where he continues to serve as president.
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In early 2023, Saputo expressed aspirations to position Montreal for long-term success, both on and off the pitch. His comments came after the club lost coach Wilfried Nancy to the Columbus Crew following two seasons of exceeding expectations under Nancy’s management. Nancy subsequently won the MLS Cup and reached the Concacaf Champions League final with the Crew in 2024.
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Currently, Montreal sits at the bottom of the league since Nancy’s exit, with only three teams accumulating as few points (139) in the past four seasons: DC United, Sporting KC, and Toronto FC. The club has managed just one playoff victory since 2016, with their most competitive periods closely tied to the brief tenures of Didier Drogba and Nancy.
Throughout this decade, Montreal has often operated as one of the league’s most economical clubs in terms of roster spending, both in player salaries and transfer fees. Saputo acknowledged the incoming owner must “start spending in line with some of the other teams,” highlighting a critical challenge he acknowledges.
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“We’re continuing to run the club,” Saputo stated regarding the interim situation. “It will be challenging, but we will remain until we find a buyer.”
The Possibility of Relocation
When asked about the club potentially moving, Saputo indicated that it is indeed a possibility. This announcement makes CF Montreal the second of the league’s three Canadian teams to be considered candidates for relocation, alongside the Vancouver Whitecaps, who are also navigating their own sale and facility issues.
In the current landscape, with cities like Las Vegas vying for teams, opportunities for relocation have become more viable. Las Vegas has welcomed the NFL’s Raiders and the NHL’s Golden Knights, marking a trend of successful relocations in recent years.
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While expanding interest in MLS exists in cities such as Sacramento, Phoenix, Indianapolis, and Detroit, the sense of urgency surrounding local buyers remains. Saputo’s insistence that local buyers won’t receive discounted rates echoes past issues faced by the MLB’s Montreal Expos, who relocated to Washington, D.C., in 2004 after struggling to find a viable purchase option.
