# CF Montreal sale process begins

> CF Montreal owner Joey Saputo starts structured sale to find new owner who keeps club in Montreal.
- Title: CF Montreal sale process begins · the Guardian | Shortify
- Summary: CF Montreal owner Joey Saputo starts structured sale to find new owner who keeps club in Montreal.
- Keywords: cf montreal, joey saputo, mls, relocation, stade saputo, montreal impact, bologna, mls expansion, sacramento republic, las vegas, the Guardian
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/sport/2026/nov/09/cf-montreal-sale-mls-joey-saputo
- Published: 2026-11-09T23:18:47+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: cf montreal, joey saputo, mls, relocation, stade saputo, montreal impact, bologna, mls expansion, sacramento republic, las vegas, sports
## Saputo announces sale process
CF Montreal owner Joey Saputo began a structured sale process to find a new owner who keeps the club in Montreal.

> This decision is neither driven by urgency, nor dictated by circumstance
## Saputo insists club stays in Montreal
Saputo stated he hopes to find an owner who shares commitment to Montreal and ensures the club remains in the city for many years.

> I will love this club to stay here
## Saputo rules out relocation
Saputo refused to rule out selling to a buyer who might move the club to Las Vegas or Sacramento.

> if there’s an offer to relocate the club, and it’s in line with Major League Soccer and what they want to
## Saputo's valuation context
CF Montreal is valued at $435m, far exceeding the $40m expansion fee paid in 2012.

> Forbes rated CF Montréal as the second least-valuable club in MLS at an estimation of $435m
## Recent MLS sales history
Sporting Kansas City sold 71% to Peter Malouk at $700m and Columbus Crew sold 37% at $900m.

> In January, the Illig family sold 71% of ownership of Sporting Kansas City to Peter Malouk at a $700m valuation
## Montreal's recent performance
Montreal finished last in MLS in 2026 with only one playoff win since 2016.

> Montreal have won just one playoff game since 2016
## Saputo's financial concerns
Saputo acknowledged Montreal needs to spend more to compete with other MLS teams.

> Saputo acknowledged the need for the next owner to start spending in line with some of the other teams
## Potential relocation cities
Las Vegas and Sacramento are the most likely cities for Montreal to relocate to.

> The city is no longer just for gambling and debauchery, with the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights joining as an expansion side in 2017
## Historical relocation context
Montreal Expos moved from Montreal to Washington in 2004 after struggling to find a buyer.

> The Expos played their final season in 2004, relocating to the US capital and playing as the Washington Nationals
## Saputo's interim plan
Saputo will continue running the club until a new owner is found.

> We’re going to continue to run the club
## Key takeaway

CF Montreal's founder Joey Saputo began a structured sale process to find an owner who keeps the club in Montreal, with relocation to Las Vegas or Sacramento as potential options.