In a seldom‑seen press briefing, CF Montreal’s owner Joey Saputo revealed his family is kicking off a structured sale of the MLS franchise, pausing to fight back tears after three decades at the helm.
Saputo stressed the move isn’t born of pressure or crisis, but stems from a deliberate look at today’s position and the opportunities ahead.
He emphasized a wish to keep the team in Montreal, hoping to find a buyer who shares that commitment and will safeguard the club’s long‑term presence.
When the floor opened for live questions, Saputo admitted he couldn’t rule out a purchaser who might relocate the squad.
‘I won’t cheapen the club just to hand it over,’ he warned. ‘I love this team and want it to stay, but if an owner can’t fund the level we need, selling just to keep it here does no one any good.’ In my view, preserving the club’s identity outweighs a quick cash grab.
He added, ‘If a capable buyer exists, I’d love the club to remain and build on our work. Yet, if an offer includes relocation and aligns with MLS goals, that’s the likely outcome.’
So, what valuation could realistically land on the table for CF Montreal?
Saputo gave no price range nor timeline, noting the sale will be run alongside MLS and the club’s investment bankers.
History suggests he could fetch many times the $40 million expansion fee paid in 2012.