it not about how rich the owners are, it’s about revenue as the business needs to more or less stand on its own two feet over the long term. I haven’t looked into in any detail but I suspect if money is always an issue it’s because they aren’t generating enough consistent revenue or their costs in some areas are hampering them. This is just idle speculation in a forum tho
The Whitecaps FC were financially healthy when they came into the league however their revenue started trending south in the latter 2010's when they just kept doing nothing of significance in the league.
That's the thing. a winning team will reel in ticketholders and TV viewers and bring in more revenue from sponsors. Our franchise model is a huge departure from our Cascadia neighbors where our philosophy seems to involve buying low on players from lesser leagues with the intent of making a quick return in 2-3 years. It's not about long term team building or trying to assemble a team that can win.
It's hilarious because the commissioner pretty much told the owners to spend the Davies money.
Vancouver Whitecaps urged to spend on talent by MLS commish Don Garber | The Province
Eventually they did fork out some dough on Ali Adnan and Cavallini after the comissioner again called them out.
I would try and give them the benefit the doubt but the consortium of owners are cheap and have an awful track record. The whole Crepeau thing is like the Camilo saga. Team MVP performs lights out, privately demands to renegotiate their contract because they are grossly underpaid. Team says "hell no" and paints the whole narrative of the player being a primmadonna when it was the franchise that never wanted to pay them fairly.