The Bologna chairman wants CF Montréal to remain in the Canadian city but admits he will consider an overseas offer if the financial terms are right and Major League Soccer gives its approval.
Joey Saputo has officially launched a structured process to sell CF Montréal, bringing a potential end to more than three decades of ownership and stewardship by his family.
The announcement, made on Monday, November 9, 2026, marks a significant turning point for the Major League Soccer club, which has been under the Saputo family’s ownership since its foundation as Montreal Impact in 1992.
However, while Saputo would prefer the club to remain in Montréal under new local ownership, he has openly acknowledged that a move elsewhere cannot be completely ruled out.
Speaking during a press conference, the businessman made it clear that he would consider an attractive offer from outside Canada if the proposed relocation received approval from MLS.
His position presents a significant contrast between his personal preference for the club to remain in Montréal and his determination not to accept an undervalued offer simply to guarantee its continued presence in the city.
Saputo’s message is that finding the right ownership capable of taking the club forward is more important than accepting an unsuitable deal.
The Saputo family has played a central role in developing professional football in Montréal and Québec since 1993, guiding the club from its early years to its entry into MLS in 2012.
In announcing the sale process, Saputo described the decision as a carefully considered transition rather than one driven by immediate circumstances.
The family has appointed BMO Capital Markets as its lead financial adviser, with National Bank of Canada Capital Markets serving as co-adviser. Both institutions will help identify potential buyers and manage negotiations in coordination with MLS.
The priority, according to the club’s official announcement, is to give Québec-based investors with the financial resources and long-term commitment an opportunity to take over.
Saputo’s decision is particularly significant given his position in European football. He is also the chairman of Italian Serie A club Bologna FC 1909, which he acquired in 2014.
His announcement concerning CF Montréal, however, relates specifically to the Canadian club. There has been no corresponding announcement that Bologna is being put up for sale.
The ownership transition comes after a disappointing 2026 campaign for CF Montréal. The club finished bottom of the Eastern Conference with six victories, eight draws and 20 defeats, recording what has been described as the worst season in its MLS history.
The campaign was also characterised by disappointing performances, coaching changes and growing frustration among supporters, some of whom boycotted matches.
Despite the difficult season, Saputo insisted that the decision to sell was not prompted by one particular sporting disappointment or an immediate financial crisis.
CF Montréal will continue operating normally while the sale process takes place. The club confirmed that there will be no immediate changes to its daily operations, sporting activities or community commitments.
President and CEO Gabriel Gervais, alongside managing directors Luca Saputo and Simone Saputo, will remain in their current positions. No official asking price or completion date has been announced.
For Montréal supporters, the biggest concern is no longer simply who will own their club, but whether its next owners will share the commitment to keeping it in the city.
After more than three decades under the Saputo family, CF Montréal is entering an uncertain new chapter, with its geographical future potentially dependent on the identity, financial strength and ambitions of its next owners.
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